Your VBAC

...Your Guide & Resource To Caesareans

Your VBAC: SHould You Use A Doula?

Among many of the growing trends becoming apparent in the labor and delivery room, the use of Doulas is becoming perhaps the most popular. In Greek, Doula means the most important female slave. Doulas have come a long way since their meager beginnings in ancient Greece, where they were most likely expected to help the master's wife through her childbearing. Today, a Doula brings to mind a woman experienced in all aspects of labor, including the emotional as well as the physical side.

Perhaps the reason why Doulas are increasing in popularity is that they offer constant emotional and physical support to the laboring mother before, during and after her delivery. A doula offers the following:

**Offers communication between the laboring mother and physician

**Help in creating a birth plan

**Assists in carrying out the birth plan in the actual birthing environment

**Stays with the laboring mother through the entire labor

**Advice during pregnancy

**Massage and other non medicated relief during labor

**Helps to avoid unnecessary medical interventions

**Help with breast feeding

Above is only a short list of what doulas can do in helping a laboring mother. Studies have also shown that with the assistance of Doulas in the labor and delivery room, the rates of C-sections, Epidurals, Pitocin and forceps use was drastically reduced.

Doulas are well known for the positive outlook they have on the birthing process. Instead of viewing birth as a clinically medical procedure, Doulas look at it as a spiritual and natural part of womanhood. Having a Doula with you in the labor room is only part of the relationship you establish with her. Doulas are there throughout your pregnancy, building a trusting relationship with you and your partner.

It is common procedure for Doulas to attend prenatal visits and child birth classes. For those women who are pregnant for the first time, having a Doula can be an essential part of establishing communication with her care giver. Doulas can also help to not only create the birth plan, but also to help make sure that the mother's plans are carried out like she had wanted.

The valuable help that Doulas provide is why their popularity is increasing. Today a mother has many choices in how her labor and delivery go, and having a Doula by her side is just one way to ensure it goes as planned.

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Cesarean Prevention & VBAC

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