What Are The Proven Benefits Of A Doula?
There are many studies from around the world which have demonstrated very impressive benefits for the mother, father and baby, including:
These are not misprints! The benefits are significant. Most of the women in the studies were accompanied by male partners, however study results show that women who had the support of a male partner and a doula fared best, for example, the caesarean rate of women supported by both a male partner and a doula was significantly lower (15.4%) than the caesarean rate for women supported only by their partners (24.4%). Studies also clearly show the positive benefits of doula support occur regardless of a woman's economic status or whether or not they were privately insured.
What About The Partner?
According to studies, rather than reducing the partner's participation in the process, a Doula's support complemented and reinforced the partner's role. Partners felt more enthusiastic and that their contribution to the labour and birth was meaningful and helpful. Not only did partners report higher levels of satisfaction after the birth, but mothers reported feeling more satisfied with their partner's role at birth too.
What Will My Ob/Hospital/Midwife Say?
More Obstetricians and Midwives are becoming aware of the Doula as they become more popular; most are very supportive or are not bothered by a Doula – in fact Obstetricians and Doulas rarely cross paths. If they do, it's often for a very short time, during the birth.
There is the occasional story I hear about some Obstetricians not wanting a woman to have a Doula present, however ultimately it is your own choice and decision as to the level of care you receive. In the case of the Obstetrician, they are not present for you throughout most of the labour, only if you need intervention or to catch the baby (if they make it!). So continuous support from a known carer is crucial while you labour – what happens during the labour can of course affect the outcome.
Where can I find an Independent Midwife and how much do they charge?
In the Northern Territory Midwives cannot practice independently. If you wish to have a Midwife attended birth the choices are either the Birth Centre or a Homebirth, both which are fully funded by the Government.