A Doula - Family support of a different kind

Valerie Goedkoop explains the benefits of having a doula with you during childbirth.

Having a baby is a unique moment in any family's life. It will certainly change the dynamics of your family and like many other expectant mothers you will have a lot of mixed emotions and feelings about your pregnancy and
upcoming labour.

One person who can help to deal with these changes and emotions, and provide support at critical times, is a doula. The word 'doula' comes from ancient Greek and is the name for an experienced woman who offers physical, emotional and practical support before, during and after the birth. A doula offers individualised care based on any mother's circumstances and preferences.

Doulas are not there to take the place of the mother's partner or to intrude on the parents' own relationship. They are also not there to replace medical staff. Doulas can offer practical advice and provide on-going support.
Assured of the doula's presence, a partner is able to take time-out without feeling that the birth parent is being left unsupported.

Research has shown that the presence of a doula at birth can :
- Shorten first time labour by an average of 2 hours
- Decrease the chance of a caesarean by 50%
- Decrease the need for pain relief or a managed labour
- Help the birth partner participate in confidence
- Increase success in breastfeeding

To find out more about doulas and their services post-natally, visit www.doula.org.uk or contact Valerie Goedkoop on 01892-532830 valerie@goedkoop.co.uk