by: Mary Bratcher, Retail Manager
March is Labor Doula Month, but what is a Labor Doula and how can she help you?
The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
Here are some other great perks of having a professional labor assistant!
-Reduction in the incidence of c-sections
-Shortening the length of labor
-Reduction in epidural and analgesic requests
-Increases breastfeeding initiation and continuation
-Increases mother’s satisfaction of birth experience
-Can reduce the incidence of postpartum mood disorders
-Increases new parents’ confidence in the care of their newborn
We have a free class entitled “What is a Labor Doula?” taught by Kathy Monroe, a Labor and Postpartum Doula with years of home, birth center, and hospital birth assisting experience. Come speak with her and other families and learn the ways you can personally benefit from a Labor Doula. Register online! https://www.motherhoodcenter.com/what-is-a-labor-doula
