World Doula Week

How2Mom

Hey there World!

Now-a-days, there is a day or week for just about everything; National Pie Day, National Pet Day, National Donut Day….can you tell we like food?? 😉

We’re here today to acknowledge an exciting week for the birth community, World Doula Week! As Doulas ourselves, we are happy to have something to celebrate this week, even during this unprecedented time with the Coronavirus outbreak. Below you will find a couple of fun facts and data regarding Doulas to help us commemorate this amazing job we consider such an honor.

Origination

The term “Doula” was developed in the 1960s to describe the comforting presence of a support person during labor. Historically, this type of role came from ancient Greece! In modern days, doulas have seen widespread usage not only in the U.S., but throughout the world, thus, World Doula Week!!

Popularity of having a doula on your birth team grew after the release of clinical studies which showed the presence of a doula reduced the need for medical intervention during labor as well as a higher success rate for breastfeeding during the first few days after birth!

Doulas are NOT only for Natural Labor support, but ALL births!

Though having a doula as part of your team has been shown to reduce the need for medical interventions, such as pain relief and c-sections, that DOESN’T mean we are only for unmedicated labors. Doulas are an integral part of ALL birth journeys! Even if you have a scheduled cesarean, a doula can still provide support to you and your partner/family. Planning on having an epidural? There are still countless ways having a doula can increase your birth satisfaction. At How 2 Mom, we are firm believers that whatever way is best for YOU, is the best way to bring your little into the world.

Evidence on Birth Doulas

According to statistics collected by Evidence Based Birth (May 2019), having a Birth Doula during pregnancy and present during birth can:

- - Increase spontaneous vaginal birth by 8-15%
  - Decrease the risk of being dissatisfied with your birth experience by 31%
  - Decrease in the baby’s risk of low five minute Apgar score by 38%
  - Decrease in surgical birth by 25-39%
  - Decrease the length of labor by 25% or 41 minutes on average (emotional support can release certain feelings life feeling safe, which can help mom’s body open up and provide more room for baby to get into position)
  - Decrease requests for an epidural by 60% (if an unmedicated birth is desired)
  - Decrease the use of any medications for relief by 10%

Doulas are a form of pain relief in themselves (Hofmeyr, 1991). Birth people feel less pain when a doula is present. The attachment between the birthing person and doula which can lead to an increase in oxytocin, which decreases stress reaction, fear, anxiety, and increases contraction strength and effectiveness. In addition, the calming effect of the doula’s presence increases the mother’s own natural pain coping hormones (beta-endorphins), making labor feel less painful (Uvnas Moberg, 2014). This theory was proposed by Dr. Amy Gilliland in her 2010a study about effective labor support.

MN Patient's Bill of Rights

According to Minnesota Healthcare Patient Bill of Rights, you have the right to a doula of your choosing to be present at your birth. Here is that exact language:

Section 144.651 Subd. 10 Participation in planning treatment; notification of family members.

(a) Patients and residents shall have the right to participate in the planning of their health care. This right includes the opportunity to discuss treatment and alternatives with individual caregivers, the opportunity to request and participate in formal care conferences, and the right to include a family member or other chosen representative, or both. IN the event that the patient or resident cannot be present, a family member or other representative chosen by the patient or resident may be included in such conferences. A chosen representative may include a doula of the patient’s choice.

"Doulas are an Essential Part of the Birth Team"

According to AWHONN (Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric & Neonatal Nurses) and ACOG (American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Doulas are essential personnel and part of the maternity care team.

Interested in hiring a Doula??

At How 2 Mom, we have a team of birth professionals passionate about supporting your journey! Click HERE to read more about our Birth Services. We have included Virtual Support options as well in order to continue to support families during unprecedented times like we are experiencing now. Also, click HERE to meet our Team!