FAQ’s
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH A DOULA COLLECTIVE?
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A BIRTH DOULA?
Many providers are advocating for birth doulas as a medical necessity. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula.
There is an abundance of research that shows how doula support may improve outcomes for birthers and infants, including:
* Increased positive feelings about birth experience
* Increased spontaneous vaginal birth
* Shorter duration of labors by 25%
* Decreased need for epidural pain relief
* Decreased Cesarean birth, instrumental vaginal birth, and low 5-minute APGAR scores
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A POSTPARTUM DOULA?
The weeks and months following birth are an important time for you to bond with your new baby, rest and recover, adjust to your new family dynamics, and transition into your new identity as a parent. Research is emerging that suggests this critical stage is often overlooked, and ACOG now recommends on-going support tailored to families’ particular needs throughout the postpartum period. To address these needs, a postpartum doula can:
- Facilitate bonding by taking care of you and helping with household tasks, so you have more time to spend with your baby and adapt to new family roles.
- Help you navigate your recovery both physically and emotionally, laying the groundwork for a positive postpartum experience.
- Enhance feelings of autonomy, confidence, and competence by offering guidance, positive feedback, and connecting you with resources.
- Assist you with baby and/or sibling care, providing opportunities for you to rest and practice self-care.
- Support you in integrating your new self-identity by attuning to your needs and helping you to build a support system.
- Monitor for signs and symptoms of complications as well as mental health concerns.
- Help address any other issues that may arise, such as challenges with breast/chest feeding