The Purpose and Value of Labor Support-Part 1

I was going through some of my old papers and I came across the essay I wrote for my doula certification...I don't remember exactly but I think I wrote this after attending only a few births. Recently I attended my 20th birth and I thought I would rewrite "The Purpose and Value of Labor Support" and see what if anything has changed or become more significant for me. I have not had the time to get around to that yet (in-laws visiting) but I thought I would post this for now.

This is the beginning of The Birthing Tree blog and I thought I would christen it with my first take on what it is we do as doulas...I hope to include different essays, writings, musings from the amazing women that comprise the cooperative-I am confident that their words of wisdom will be a source of inspiration to us all.

Yours in the Doula Spirit,

Simone Snyder

The Purpose and Value of Labor Support

There are many reasons why a woman should obtain labor support throughout her pregnancy and labor. Some of those reasons include continuous emotional and physical support, advocacy, and the benefit of having an experienced resource available to you at all times. For many women this is known on an intuitive level but for some more research is needed.

There have been numerous studies published in places such as the Journal of the American Medical Association, and the New England Journal of Medicine that can attest to the benefits of having labor support. There have been books written on the subject as well; one such example is The Doula Book written by Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus. According to their research having a Doula present has been shown to lower the caesarean rate (86-88), shorten the length of labor (80-83), lessen the occurrence of augmentation (83), and reduce the need for pain medication and the request for an epidural (83-86). In addition to these findings it has also been shown that the likelihood of breastfeeding increases as well (101-111). Referenced in the DONA position paper is the work of Hodnett-a meta-analysis of 15 trials of continuous labor support from North America, Europe and Africa.

These findings were similar to what I have found elsewhere. For example, according to the research women cared for by a birth Doula are 28% less likely to use any analgesia or anesthesia, and they are 33% less likely to be dissatisfied or negatively view their birth experience. Having labor support present helps a woman and her family to feel more comfortable and confident. Knowing that someone is there for constant support helps reduce fear and anxiety.

One of the greatest benefits of labor support is to provide the mother and her family the comfort of a familiar, knowledgeable companion who knows them and what they want and need. Doctors, nurses, and midwives though well intentioned are just not capable of providing constant care and support like Doulas can. Doulas are able to establish a relationship with the mother and her partner on a personal level yet they are able to remain an objective component of the birth team. Where as a father or partner may have difficulty dealing with watching their loved one experience discomfort, the Doula- knowledgeable of the mother’s wishes is able to step outside the situation and keep the mother focused. The Doula is a calming presence, invaluable to both the family as well as the care provider.

The Doula’s role is to provide physical and emotional support. She is there to help the family gather information, provide resources, and act as an advocate for the family. The Doula will offer suggestions for comfort measures and positions for labor. She will also be more than happy to show partners and family members what they can do to help during pregnancy and labor. She is there to help women have a rewarding birthing experience whatever that may be to them and to ensure a positive memory of their birth day. Their support does not end with the birth of the baby; most Doulas are committed to making at least one post-partum visit. This gives the mother the opportunity to seek help for things such as as breastfeeding and newborn care. It also gives the mother and her partner the opportunity to process the birth and go over anything that might need clarification.

Speaking from personal experience as a woman in labor and as a Doula, having constant emotional support, undivided attention and a calming presence is an invaluable asset. I do not need to read about all the studies that prove the value of having a Doula, I know in my heart the significance of having another woman present to assist in bringing a child into this world. It is a practice that has gone on for centuries in cultures all over the world-that is enough for me.