Mary Bader
Labor Support and Postpartum Doula Services
· 216.470.9094
1603 Belle Ave · Cleveland, Ohio 44107
The word doula comes from ancient Greek, meaning "to provide support." It is now used to describe a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to an expectant mother before, during and just after childbirth.
Studies have found that doula-assisted births have a:
In addition, new mothers report an increased satisfaction with breastfeeding.
Many partners wonder why they need a doula. The answer is simply because women who have the support of a male partner and a doula fare better during childbirth and have a significantly lower rate of C-sections. Dads wonder what their role will be when a doula is present. Rather than reducing the father's participation in the birth, doula support complements and reinforces the father's role. He is free to participate as he wishes, while ensuring that the woman's needs are seamlessly met.
Some partners chose to be the major source of emotional support, while others are uncomfortable playing an active role, and still others are unsure about the role that they will ultimately take and do not want to be completely responsible for the woman’s comfort and security. While the doula probably knows more about birth, hospitals and maternity care, the partner knows more about the woman’s personality, likes, dislikes and emotional needs. The combined attributes of partner and doula, along with competent, caring staff give the woman the best chances for an optimal outcome.
Mary Bader is a DONA certified doula and postpartum doula with years of experience assisting long and short labors, natural births, high-risk pregnancies, and VBAC births. For more information, contact at (216) 470-9094.