Home Body Holistic Birth

Amazing info being shared on Birth Takes a Village page right now... go check it out!!

love this wisdom

amazing study - hopefully this leads to more reduction of non essential intervention!

It's World Doula week! Doula statistics: 39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean 15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth... 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience; mothers’ risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula or someone in their social network (family or friend), but not hospital staff "The evidence suggests that it is likely more than the emotional, physical, and informational support doulas give to women during the birthing process that accounts for the reduced need for clinical procedures during labor and birth, fewer birth complications, and more satisfying experiences during labor, birth, and postpartum" (Meyer, Arnold, & Pascali-Bonaro, 2001; Wen, Korfmacher, Hans, & Henson, 2010). Klaus and Klaus (2010) But HOW? "There are several reasons why we think doulas are so effective. The first reason is the harsh environment theory. In most developed countries, ever since birth moved out of the home and into the hospital, laboring people are frequently submitted to institutional routines, high intervention rates, staff who are strangers, lack of privacy, bright lighting, and needles. Most of us would have a hard time dealing with these conditions when we’re feeling our best. But people in labor have to deal with these harsh conditions when they are in a very vulnerable state. These harsh conditions may slow down a person’s labor and their self-confidence. It is thought that a doula buffers this harsh environment by providing continuous support and companionship which promotes the mother’s self-esteem (Hofmeyr, Nikodem et al. 1991)." Doulas provide evidence based knowledge, emotional support and physical comfort to you and your partner (and other friends or family members that may be in the birthing room) so that you feel cared for, listened to and safe. She reminds you that you are strong and that what you are feeling is very natural and normal. Your doula helps you communicate with your care provider, utilizes comfort techniques and brings you food and drink - freeing up your partner from menial tasks so they can be close and connected. When you feel reassured and confident in the process and your labour is uninhibited by fear, anxiety, or distractions, oxytocin can flow freely and promote consistent, comfortable progress and therefore promote a healthy, physiologically normal birth.