Reasons to choose a Certified Birth/Labor Doula:

• 50% reduction in cesarean rate
  
• Reduced desire for pain medication. 
  
• 40% reduced use of pitocin use
  
• Fewer episiotomies
  
• Reduced duration of labor (average 2 hours less for first-time mothers)
  
• Reduced use of forceps
  
• Reduced use of vacuum extraction
  
• Reduced chances for health complications and hospitalizations for baby
  
• Reduced chances of maternal fever and infection
  
• Reduced maternal bleeding following birth
  
• Increased chances of successful breastfeeding
  
• Reduced incidence of postpartum depression
  
• Reduced levels of anxiety/Better mother-infant interaction
  
• More positive birth experience for mother and partner
  
• Increased chance of spontaneous vaginal birth

 

Although epidurals are effective relieving pain most of the time, there are things your epidural can not do for you. These are the things I can do for you if you choose an epidural:

• Massage you
• Provide you with information about your options  
• Give your partner a break
• Be reassuring and nurturing
• Help you with breathing
• Help communicate to your loved ones of your progress
• Help you with breastfeeding
• Take photographs

• **Decreased Postpartum Depression
• Increased mother support postpartum
• Daily emotional & physical  discussions, to check on your well being
• Breastfeeding assistance & IBCLC referrals
• Helping partner learn how to help mom
• Continuous support for mom, dad & siblings
• Allows you and your partner to catch up on rest
•  Mom gets extra help when dad is back at work