Labor & Birth Support Doula
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Paula is a trained labor support doula. A doula is a woman
specially educated to assist before, during and after
childbirth. She understands the physiology of birth and the
emotional needs of the woman in labor. A doula facilitates
communications between the laboring woman, her partner and
the clinical care providers.
A doula helps to facilitate the dark, quiet, comfortable environment that
helps labor to progress. She provides security and acceptance so that the
woman can relax and allow herself to slip into a different state of
consciousness. A doula remembers that laboring women are very sensitive to
the words of those around them, whether positive or negative. She provides
positive, supportive words and helps to reframe any negative comments that
are made. The woman trusts her doula to remember her wishes and priorities.
This allows the laboring woman to surrender, to give in to allow her body
to give birth.
Paula brings her many healing skills and techniques into the birthing
setting. By using reiki, aromatherapy, meditation and sound therapy along
with prayer if it is desired by the mother, she is able to address the
physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the mother to ensure a safe,
secure and joyful environment for the miraculous transition of birth.
Studies document the presence of a doula during labor and
birth is associated with the following reductions:
- 50% fewer C-sections
- 60% drop in use of epidural anesthesia
- 30% decrease in use of pain medication
- 40% decrease in use of pitocin
- 40% decrease in use of forceps
