Not only has the feedback from women and their families using the services of a doula been very positive, but the benefits of doula support have also been validated through scientific research. Research has shown that there are many benefits to having doula support during labour including:
Findings from "Mothering the Mother" Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, 1993 based on a meta analysis of six randomized controlled trials.
A wealth of studies exist confirming the benefits of continuous support during childbirth including the one below which mentions in particular the benefits of independent support such as that provided by a doula.
"Continuous
support for women during childbirth (Cochrane Review 2006)
Hodnett ED, Gates
S, Hofmeyr G J, Sakala C
Continuous labour support
reduces a woman's likelihood of having pain medication, increases her satisfaction
and chances for 'spontaneous' birth, and has no known risks
Supportive care
during labour may involve emotional support, information, and comfort measures.
Such care may enhance normal labour processes and thus reduce the need for obstetric
intervention. Women who received continuous labour support were less likely to
use pain medications and were more likely to be satisfied and to give birth 'spontaneously'
(with neither caesarean nor vacuum nor forceps). In general, labour support
was more effective when it was provided by women who were not part of the hospital
staff."
Someone just for you!
The current obstetric led model under which the majority of women in Ireland give birth is limited in certain aspects of the maternity care they provide. Busy labour wards, minimal time to ask questions during antenatal appointments and short stays in busy postnatal wards are all too evident in many of our hospitals. Sometimes support is most needed in pre or early labour where continuos support is not often available. With doula care, not only can you have early labour support, but you can also have the benefit of this care in your own home.
Even in hospitals which make a great effort to provide continuos support for women in labour, the first time you will meet the person looking after you in labour will most likely be when you walk through the delivery ward doors. Indeed you may not even have the benefit of the same midwife through your entire labour due to shift changes. Even employing a private obstetrician does not necessarily mean that they will be available or indeed needed during your labour. But for many women, it is this need to have a "familiar face", a constant source of reassurance who will remain with you through the entire labour/birth process, that makes doula care so invaluable.
Because she has no administrative or medical tasks to complete, she can devote her energies entirely to your emotional and psychological well-being, as well as attending to your physical needs. You will have already gotten to know each other. She knows, understands and respects your hopes, wishes, preferences and fears. She is someone who will be there just for you, by your side; an independent source of support working with you alongside your chosen caregiver.
Latest News & Events
Germaine: 087 4194222