World Doula Week
Happy Spring!
Though the weather in New England may still be holding onto its vision of winter, it won’t last long. When I stepped off the plane in Utah last night I was greeted by 70 degree temperatures, the sweet smell of cherry trees in blossom, and the delightful sound of bird song. Spring is here in the Utah valley and warmer temperatures will come to our little island of Nantucket, but not fast enough.
Today happens to be the beginning of World Doula Week. “The purpose of World Doula Week (“WDW”) is to empower doulas all over the world to improve the physiological, social, emotional, and psychological health of women, newborns and families in birth and in the postpartum period.” Several families have asked if once I become a Certified Professional Midwife, will I continue to work as a doula? The answer is YES! For those of you I have had the honor and privilege to work with you know that support makes a huge difference for expectant families. I will continue to offer this support for women who chose to or have to give birth in the hospital.
Having a doula makes a difference. Statistics say having a doula at your birth:
* Reduces the incidence of c-sections
* May shorten the length of labor
* Reduces 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
Families say that having support makes the process a little less frightening and much more exciting. I have seen the support I offer help a mom when she is questioning herself, support fathers so they can give in an honest and comfortable way to their partners, and breastfeeding progress with the support of information and trouble shooting. The benefits are sometimes able to be quantified and sometimes are just seen in the way the family starts their journey into parenthood. I want all families to have the benefit of support during this important time in their lives. I feel passionate that deciding how, where, and with whom women give birth is central to women’s reproductive rights. I will continue to offer support to women in the way that feels or is right for her.
So today I promote and celebrate World Doula Day, March 22, the kick off day to World Doula Week. It was chosen because of its close proximity to the spring equinox, which represents the return of fertility in countless cultures. I am grateful that I love the work that I do and that it makes makes such a difference to the families I serve. I ask that you help educate others about what a doula does and how having a doula at your birth benefited you and your family. I am eager for the day everyone knows what a doula is and can say that having a doula at their birth helped them enjoy the birth of their family.