Why a doula?
A large study from 2017 has shown that women who received continuous labour support may be more likely to give birth 'spontaneously', may be less likely to use pain medications or to have a caesarean birth, and may be more likely to be satisfied and have shorter labours.
And that’s not all! There are a number of scientific studies showing the negative effects of stress during pregnancy on the health of the infant later in life. Yet, a doula might be able to address certain fears or anxieties that a person may have, in order to reduce stress levels.
And that’s not all! There are a number of scientific studies showing the negative effects of stress during pregnancy on the health of the infant later in life. Yet, a doula might be able to address certain fears or anxieties that a person may have, in order to reduce stress levels.
"Better emotional care of pregnant women should help prevent the development of neurodevelopmental problems in many children, having an important effect on the health of future generations." – Vivette Glover
And that is exactly why I wanted to become a doula
So, I am here to provide support in whatever way you need, prenatally and during labor and birth, to make this exciting period in your life as relaxed and comfortable as possible. This could be anything from discussing how to be a confident parent to helping you assemble a baby crib (I take the meaning of the word ‘doula’, ‘women’s servant’ in Greek, quite literally).
Having a scientific background, I can provide you with evidence-based information, yet I am also happy to share my personal experiences.
Although I come from a country where natural birth and breastfeeding are the norm, I will support you in whatever decision you make regarding birth and feeding options, because again, my aim is for you to be as relaxed as possible.
Finally, I don’t take this work for granted. Every time when I attend a birth, I consider it to be an honour to be part of such an incredible, intimate experience.
Refs.
* Bohren MA, et al. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017:CD003766
* Tegethoff M, et al. Stress during Pregnancy and Offspring Pediatric Disease: A National Cohort Study. Environ Health Perspect 2011;119:1647-52
* Glover V, et al. Prenatal maternal stress, fetal programming, and mechanisms underlying later psychopathology-A global perspective. Dev Psychopathol 2018;30:843-54
* Tegethoff M, et al. Stress during Pregnancy and Offspring Pediatric Disease: A National Cohort Study. Environ Health Perspect 2011;119:1647-52
* Glover V, et al. Prenatal maternal stress, fetal programming, and mechanisms underlying later psychopathology-A global perspective. Dev Psychopathol 2018;30:843-54