If you're pregnant - and especially if this is your first child - the thought of going through labor can be terrifying. You don't know what to expect, and your partner isn't going to be any help, since he has less than no idea what it's going to feel like. You could ask your mom, but she's likely so excited about the birth of her grandchild that she'll hardly be a calming presence. If you want someone experienced, serene and trustworthy by your side as you labor, a doula could be the solution.

Doulas are non-medical professionals who help pregnant women through the process of labor and delivery, whether it takes place in a hospital, in a birthing center or even in the home. And doulas aren't just good for you - they might also be good for your baby.

According to Pregnancy.org, the presence of a labor aid like a midwife or doula is associated with a 50 percent reduction in the number of cesarean sections, a 25 percent reduction in the length of labor, a 60 percent reduction in requests for epidural pain relief and a 30 percent reduction in drug usage to speed up slow labor.

It's possible to have both a doula and a medical professional like a doctor assist in your birthing process, so if you think the presence of an experienced woman would be beneficial, why not look into midwifery and doulas for your delivery?

Comments (0)

Write comment