Doulas: The Labor ing Angels By Julie Johnson
Doulas: The Laboring Angels
By Julie Johnson
• Specially trained women helping women through childbirth.• Offer a continual presence vs. the hospital staff coming and
going.• Provide pre-natal visits to go over birth plans and birth
desires.• Give suggestions to help facilitate labor progress.• Massage, encourage and guide a woman throughout labor.• They have a bag full of labor aids that help eliminate the
discomforts during childbirth.
WHAT ARE DOULAS?
• Vaginal exams, or medical interventions.• Deliveries• Speak up for the woman; rather encourage her to voice her wishes• Take over Dad's role
WHAT DOULAS DON'T DO:
THE BONUSES
FOR HAVING A
DOULA
• 0% reduction in cesareans• 25 % reduction in the length of labor• 40% reduction in pitocin• 60% reduction in the need for epidurals• 30% more likely to be breastfeeding 6 weeks post-partum• Less incidences of post-partum depression• More bonding with the baby• Women experience a more satisfying birth experience