The Journey to Birth - Let a Doula be Your Guide!
Just like any journey, the one to birth benefits from thoughtful planning. We spend time considering where we want to go, how to get there, and with whom we will go. We can research local conditions and receive travel updates. Learning about our destination and preparing for our birth journey beforehand can help make our trip safer and more enjoyable.
Here's a travel alert: we live in a locale that sees one of every three women, 33%, having surgical births 1. Cesarean birth is a vital lifesaving procedure for mothers and babies, and we need access to this intervention. However, WHO (World Health Organization) studies show that rates above 10-15% do not translate to improved maternal/fetal morbidity outcomes, even taking into consideration a variety of socioeconomic factors.2 An overuse of medically unnecessary cesareans can increase health risks to mothers and babies3. The travel tip takeaway? We only want the care we need. Preparing well may help you to recognize and avoid common tourist traps on your birth journey.
What else can improve your trip? Taking quality birth education classes, reading good books, and practicing self-advocacy are all important. Choosing your travel companions carefully can also make a big difference. How about adding an experienced travel guide who is genuinely committed to enhancing the quality of your birth journey? This is the role of the doula. A doula is a knowledgeable, non-medical caregiver who understands the local language and knows the terrain. Every step of the way, the doula provides non-judgmental support to the birthing person. Before birth, the doula helps you learn and evaluate options that align with your preferences and values. During birth, the doula is a continuous, comforting, and informative presence. In the days and weeks following birth, doulas can help you begin your parenting journey with confidence.
As for research regarding a doula’s value, ACOG (American College for Obstetricians and Gynecologists) reports,
“Published data indicate one of the most effective tools to improve labor and delivery outcomes is the continuous presence of support personnel, such as a doula….the presence of continuous one-on-one support during labor and delivery was associated with improved patient satisfaction and a statistically significant reduction in the rate of cesarean ….this resource is probably underutilized.” 4
Rebecca L. Dekker, PhD, RN, LCCE, founder and CEO of Evidence Based Birth® compiled available evidence on the value of doula support and concluded:
“Of all the ways birth outcomes could be improved, continuous labor support seems like one of the most important and basic needs for birthing people. Providing labor support to birthing people is both risk-free and highly effective. Evidence shows that continuous support can decrease the risk of Cesarean, the use of medications for pain relief, and the risk of a low five-minute Apgar score. Labor support also increases satisfaction and the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth... As such, doulas should be viewed by both parents and providers as a valuable, evidence-based member of the birth care team.”5
Clearly, doula support is beneficial and can contribute not only to better health outcomes but can also help the birthing person to regard their experience as positive and satisfying. And that’s a good place from which to enter parenthood.
Your journey to birth can be filled with opportunities for self-discovery, joy, confidence and growth. Here’s wishing you safe and happy travels!
March 22-28 is World Doula Week. Michelle Totleben has been a professional birth doula for 20 years. She and her doula partner, Christine Reinelt, have traveled with hundreds of families on their birth journeys and are committed to helping families have their best births. Visit them at Erie Doulas.