Making Progress

I was excited to hear about what I believe is huge progress.  The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) released a paper this week regarding Caesarean sections and the alarming rate at which they have increased over time in the United States, with no decrease in infant and maternal morbidity. They finally asked the question that others have been asking for many many years: Why aren't things changing?  Don't get me wrong. Cesareans have their place in this world. In emergencies. The results written in this paper leave me wondering; why was ACOG so late to the dinner table, but, that's a question for another day. The important thing is how this paper can change things for many women. This is a link to the paper.
What I believe is one of the best findings in the paper written by ACOG is this: women shouldn't be rushed through labor. Simple. Here is how ACOG says it; "For example, it may be necessary to revisit the definition of labor dystocia because recent data show that contemporary labor progresses at a rate substantially slower than what was historically taught.".*  That one finding will hopefully begin to replace antiquated ideas about labor and birth.
Here's another gem from the paper. "Increasing women’s access to nonmedical interventions during labor, such as continuous labor and delivery support, also has been shown to reduce cesarean birth rates."*  Yep, you read that right. Having that continuous support reduces your chances of having a Cesarean. Incentive for hiring a doula?  Me thinks so! 
Now here is the part where all of you come in. Be empowered!  Take this information to your caregiver. Ask them what their Cesarean rate is. Ask them what they consider to be stalled labor or a failure to progress. Ask them if they will give you more time to labor. If you have already had a Cesarean it's not too late for you. If your caregiver has told you that it's not possible for you to deliver vaginally because your body doesn't progress or isn't able to give birth, or some other reason that doesnt sound quite right, find a new caregiver or at least seek a second opinion. Lastly. Hire a doula. I'm going to say it again. Hire a doula. We will fight along side you and increase your chances of having the delivery you planned for. 


*Safe prevention of the primary cesarean delivery. Obstetric Care Consensus No. 1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstet Gynecol 2014;123:693–711.

Why should I hire a Doula?

Many of you know what a Doula is but, for those who maybe aren't sure, a Doula is a caregiver, educator, support person, encourager, cheerleader, and advocate for a pregnant woman and her partner.  Doulas meet with their pregnant clients prior to and after birth to discuss what kind of birth they prefer as well as answering any questions they may have about pregnancy, birth, breast feeding and baby.  During the time that a woman is giving birth a Doula supports her as well as her partner by encouraging, massaging and offering techniques that help progression.  A Doula also helps to control the environment that a woman has chosen so that she can remain calm and focused on her birth.
The question that women and their partners ask is "Why should I hire a Doula".  There are many factual reasons why for example:

• Women are more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth.
• Women are less likely to use pain medications.
• Women have a more positive birth experience.
• Women are less likely to have ceasarean sections.
• Women experience shorter labors.
• Women were less likely to have forceps used during birth.

All of this information was taken from a study published in July of 2013 in the Cochrane Library. (Use This link to see the information)

I would like to share what a dad recently told me about why he would hire a doula again. "Women think that a doula is mostly for them. They are wrong. Doulas are for the men. We have no idea what to do when women are in labor and need all the help we can get". While I think this dad isn't giving himself near enough credit, there is some truth to it. Giving birth is a wonderful, empowering, sometimes long and exhausting process. So why should you hire a doula? To encourage you (and your partner) that your body does know how to give birth and that you can do it!  And to help remind you how! Regardless of the kind of birth you plan for, your birth can be a better experience when you hire a doula. What about you?  Why did you hire a doula, or why are you thinking of hiring one?

Introductions

My name is Kirsten.  I am a Doula who is passionate about birth and helping women and their families to have a wonderful and positive birth experience.  Having had the opportunity to have Doulas present at both of my births, I believe in the power of having a support person other than a significant other or family member.  I believe that regardless of what a woman chooses for her birth experience, she deserves a Doula!  Please stop by often to learn more about birth and what you can do to create the birth that you deserve, and to learn more about my Doula Services, Fulfilling Births.

Kirsten