Last night while teaching prenatal yoga at BAX, my students and I got into a discussion of doulas. As a prenatal yoga teacher, I know plenty of doulas, and have even myself considered becoming a doula. I did not however want the kind of hours and uncertain schedule of a doula, as I have two small children. I am putting my life as a labor support doula on hold until my kids are grown.
My research for this post comes from Penny Simkins’ “The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions”. There are many other books out there about doulas, so check out your local bookseller, or Amazon, but “The Birth Partner” is just sitting here on my shelf wanting to be useful. I have to say, Ms. Simkin is the authority on all things birthing, so she is a trusted source, and this book is not to be missed.
In a nutshell, a doula is a trained labor companion. But wait…you might be thinking, my partner is going to be there with me each step of the way, we do not need some stranger with us! True, your partner will be there, but labor is stressful, and sometimes it can be too much for our loved ones to see us in pain. Even the most prepared couple can benefit from a doulas help. A doula meets you before the birth to discuss your birth preferences, is on call for you, arrives at your home or the hospital when you need her, and stays with you throughout your birth until the baby is born.
Doulas care is linked to a reduction in cesarean rates, as well as reduced rates of vacuum-extractor and forceps delivery. Women who have doulas care for them during labor often report greater satisfaction with their birth than women who do not have doulas. Doulas may offer their services free of charge while they are working towards certification, or they may offer a sliding scale for payment. Birthday Presence a local Brooklyn resource on Eighth St, specializes in labor support.
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