Carlie as a Doula

having a doula present:

Reduces Cecareans by 50%

Reduces length of labor by 25%

Reduces Pitocin use by 40%

Reduces delivary by forceps by 40%

Reduces Epidural requests by 60%

(researchers Kennel and Klaus)

What if I get an epidural? No big deal. I believe women were made to give birth and I believe, in most cases, it can be done without medication. But sometimes it's just what a mother needs to relax and get labor going. It is by no means a failure! Sometimes epidurals can be patchy, spotty, or inconsistent. Sometimes they wear off, plunging mom back into the thick of things... in those times, you won't regret having an advocate there to help you through the woods!

a doula's goal:

to have a bond of love or friendship with the mother and a feeling of commitment and responsibility toward her.
to have a familiarity with her personal preferences and quirks, with the little things that soothe and relax her, and the things that may irritate or worry her.
to have a commitment to help her continuously throughout labor.
to know what to expect - the physical process of labor, the procedures and interventions commonly used during labor and when these procedures and interventions are necessary and when they are optional.
to understand the emotional side of labor - the emotional needs of women during labor and the changing emotions they usually experienced as labor progresses.
she has a practical knowledge of how to help in various specific situations - what to do when, and how to engage the spouse/partner in the birth.
she will be flexible to adapt to the mother's changing needs during labor - "leading by following."

The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin

Doulas work along side spouses and loved ones to help support the laboring mother. I know that my emotional and physical support can only go so far, so I do my best to include spouses and partners as much as they feel comfortable. I am there to support them, too!