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Written by Patricia Newton
A Doula is not someone who simply holds a laboring woman's hand. Doulas
are trained and experienced professionals who are invaluable to the woman and
her partner in many ways.
You may benefit from Doula Services if any of the following
statements apply to you.
 | You view
childbirth as a natural occurrence rather than a medical problem.
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| Your
support person wants to help you during labor, but doesn't know how. (Doulas
recognize the importance of support people and help partners help the woman,
rather than push partners aside.)
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| You are
without a support person.
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| You are
afraid of labor.
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| You are
concerned about the pain of labor.
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| You would
like to avoid certain medical interventions, including a cesarean birth.
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| You like
the thought of having a knowledgeable professional attend to you and only you
continuously, throughout your labor.
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Statistics show that Doulas have considerably positive
effects on labor such as:
| 50%
reduction in cesarean rate
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| 25% shorter
labor
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| 60%
reduction in epidural requests
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| 40%
reduction in oxytocin use
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| 30%
reduction in analgesia use
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| 40%
reduction in forceps delivery
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Source: Mothering the Mother: how a doula can help you have a shorter, easier,
and healthier birth. (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, 1993.)
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