If you were told that a drug would be unethical to NOT use it, would you use it?​​​​​​​​
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What if this same thought process applied to having a doula? The answer is YES!​​​​​​​​
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What is a doula anyway?​​​​​​​​
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A doula is a non-clinical, professionally-trained person who supports the birthing person in several ways during pregnancy, labor, birth, and early postpartum.​​​​​​​​
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The support is wide-ranging and includes:​​​​​​​​
💗 Answering questions after a doctor’s visit​​​​​​​​
💗 Being a sounding board as you process emotions and fears​​​​​​​​
💗 Providing information and resources about the birthing process (above and beyond your care provider)​​​​​​​​
💗 Providing physical and emotional comfort support during labor and through the birth​​​​​​​​
💗 Helping you find your voice during labor when you are unsure​​​​​​​​
💗 Staying with you continuously until your baby is born​​​​​​​​
💗 Helping you get started with breastfeeding​​​​​​​​
💗 The person who will help you process your birth afterwards​​​​​​​​
💗 Not to mention the support a doula provides the partner. 💗 The doula does not replace the partner but rather enhances their ability to support you in the ways you need.​​​​​​​​
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There is no person who can replace a doula...not a friend, sister, aunt, mom, spouse. They are valuable beyond measure.​​​​​​​​
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In addition to what I listed above, continuous support from a doula has many benefits:​​​​​​​​
💗 Lower risk of cesarean birth​​​​​​​​
💗 Lower risk of unnecessary interventions (induction, epidural, pitocin)​​​​​​​​
💗 Lower risk of vacuum/forceps delivery​​​​​​​​
💗 Increased rate of vaginal birth​​​​​​​​
💗 Increased overall satisfaction with experience​​​​​​​​
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A doula is not for every person. But every person deserves a doula!​​​​​​​​