Doulas should be as common as epidural.

The word doula has been on my mind all week for a few reasons; I have been trying to get together with my Doula turned very good friend all week who will also be attending my SIL's (40 + 3 pregnant today) birth. My other SIL announced she is pregnant so of course I had to push on her the importance of a Doula. I will be attending Doula Services Association of BC's doula information session Meet the Doula Day on Saturday as a sort of in person testimonial for Maria. OK, OK, OK so there are four great reasons there that the word Doula has been on my mind all week. But what really got me thinking about writing this post is this blog post about a ridiculous letter to patients at a Ohio hospital to ban Doulas and birth plans. I will also write a post on the importance birth plans at some point but the importance of a Doula deserves a post on just that.

Before I go any further I should mention that before I was pregnant I had never heard of a Doula. Maria's services were a shower gift for Jake and I from my sister Adrienne. I am positive that without this generous and valuable gift we would not have chosen to go with a Doula.

I am sure some of you are sitting there saying out-loud to your computer "OK, Melisa. I have now heard of a Doula, but what do they do that is so valuable to the birth experience?" Well, here we go!

A birth doula is a trained and experienced labour support. She will attend your birth along with any other support person you have with you or could also be your primary labour support. She will support you emotionally, physically, and also help you make informed decisions that the medical professionals may throw in the mix. Your Doula will help you achieve the birth experience you and your partner desire by helping you prepare and carry out your birth plan. Unlike your midwife, doctor, or OB who are there intermittently to ensure your baby and your own health and safety, your Doula will offer you continuous support throughout labour and delivery and help with a successful start at breastfeeding.

Studies have shown that having a birth doula present during birth, labour is shorter with less interventions, and breastfeeding rates are higher. In fact, your chance of cesarean section is decreased by 50%! That is huge! Even requests to have an epidural are reduced by 60%, forceps delivery reduced by 40%, and use of oxytocin reduced by 40%. Aren't those numbers alone benefit enough for you to get on DONA and check out a Doula near you?

Now to choose a Doula. It's kind of like dating. You are looking for a person with similar philosophies as you, who supports the plans you have, and most importantly who you get along with on a personal and professional level. This person will see you at the most intimate time of your life! Choose wisely. If any of you have read my birth story you will know my Doula was amazing at my birth and perfect for me. I can't say she fell out of the sky, but she practically did. We called and emailed about 20 doulas but since I was due so close to Christmas, many were unavailable. We had 3 or 4 interviews lined up of which, Maria was the first of them we met. We chose a coffee shop in East Vancouver as neutral ground. On leaving, Jake and I immediately begun singing "Maria, Mariaaaaaa...." (Santana in case you were wondering). Anyway, we knew she was "the one". We met with the next doula we had to interview, but it only confirmed that Maria was it. I will just say a big pre-requisite in my opinion is children of their own. 

So after finding her what did she do for us? Before the birth she met with us to discuss our birth plan, philosophies, what she will provide in terms of support, and basically to meet and get to know each other a lot better. When I went into labour, she was the first person we called. She would have come to our place to help me through early labour, but we had her meet us at the hospital as it seemed things were happening quickly. At the hospital she was amazing. Feeding me ice-chips, keeping me hydrated, running the bath, massaging me when needed, yet she still gave room for Jake to give me the support I needed from him. She questioned the nurses who came to take blood from me for no good reason, she told me what birthing positions could be helpful, she even helped turn the baby!! She stayed after the birth until Laura was latched on and feeding. I know she would never take credit herself for my dream labour and delivery but I will say she was a wonderful addition to my support team -- Jake, my mom, and Maria. 

Let me end by saying although costly, a Doula is worth every penny. Some doulas work on a sliding scale, or you can find a student doula for little to no cost. But I would pay over and over.