At Wasatch Midwifery and Wellness, we understand many Salt Lake City residents are curious on the ins-and-outs of our services. Don’t worry; we love explaining naturopathic care to first timers because in addition to our premier, spa-like birthing center, there is so much to understand about our doula assistance. Doulas have been proven to make the birth experience more pleasant for the mother and her partner. If you are still on the fence, the expert care-givers at Wasatch Midwifery are here to help.
Who She Is
One of our primary services is the assistance of a doula. A doula is much more than a simple assistant in the birthing process. She is a calming source of support for the mother, that provides a positive impact on labor. She is professionally trained in childbirth and gives educational, physical and emotional encouragement from conception to post-partum care. Her primary focus is offering a safe and empowering birthing experience.
What She Does
Most women will begin developing a relationship with their doula a few months prior to their due date. She will not only address the mother’s fears and questions, but together a birth plan will be developed. Your doula isn’t responsible for providing medical care — you should consult your midwife or doctor — but they are still very knowledgeable on the delivery process. They can help their clients better understand the experience.
During a hospital birth, your doctor’s primary concern is to deliver your baby safely, but they aren’t necessarly focused on making the experience a positive one. Many women feel rushed, anxious and forgotten by their medic. A doula will act as your advocate during childbirth. She will provide breathing, relaxation, and massage techniques. She will help the mother to get comfortable in various laboring positions. Your doula will do her best to achieve your birth plan, while still ensuring a safe delivery.
After labor, your doula will spend time helping you learn how to care for your newborn baby, particularly with breastfeeding. During your postpartum care, a doula will help you navigate your blossoming relationship with your baby, and can assist in cases of post-partum depression.
The Benefits
The main benefit that most women obtain with a doula, is that their overall birth experience is positive. Because of the pain-relieving techniques and encouraged proper breathing, more women are able to complete their child birth process without pain-relief medications and are less likely to need a cesarean. A doula’s natural touch through a massage, has the ability to relieve anxiety and reduce stress by prompting the pituitary gland to secrete natural doses of oxytocin, a pain-relieving chemical.
Don’t be concerned that your doula will take the place of your partner during the birthing process. In fact, many women have found the opposite to be true. Not only can your partner offer love and support to you during your delivery, they are able to receive guidance from the doula on how to provide encouragement. Best of all, they don’t have to remember every detail from your birthing class to correctly assist you.
If you would like to find out more information regarding our doula services — whether at home, our birthing center, or the hospital — call the experts at Wasatch Midwifery and Wellness.