I've got some time before heading out to my OB appointment today so I thought I'd blog about doulas. Doulas support laboring women through the whole birth experience. They are not midwives and cannot deliver babies. They are certified through www.dona.org. I've done a lot of research online and in books about doulas and Jon and I think we may hire one. The statistics show that most women who had doulas had less incidence of requesting pain medication, induction or C sections. I think it would be very helpful to have someone with me besides Jon for extra support. The doula does not substitute the father but rather she supports him and guides him on what to do during labor and delivery. There are two kinds of doulas - birth and postpartum. Some doulas are also lactation consultants and can help with nursing.
So I think I'll meet with a couple of doulas before deciding to hire one. I just want to be as prepared as I can be. I know things don't always go as planned but at least I'll have some sense of what to expect when it's time to labor!
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