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A Birth Doula
Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth Stays with the woman throughout the labor Provides an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level Doulas specialize in non-medical skills and do not perform clinical tasks. Most importantly, doulas do not make decisions for their clients or project their own values and goals onto the laboring woman. Adapted from Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993) |
Benefits of hiring a Doula include:
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