"Being-in-labor is a continuation of your life, not a separate event. Labor is a continuous series of activities, including waves of emotional and physical stress (not just sitting relaxed in a chair)."
Just like everything else in life, there are ups and downs, and everyone deals with it in different ways. Pain and love are two words that have a wide range of meanings, so why is there automatic fear and escape when it comes to labor? Especially when you don't even know what it will be like, why think the worst, why not get informed, get support, and see how it goes, really be in the moment?
There was an amazing chapter on Doula's and statistics on not only having the support, but even a Doula just sitting in the room observing, lowered the epidural and cesarean rates. I am going to share some of the fascinating research and facts below.
"All mothers in the Houston study were healthy, first-time mothers giving birth at term. There were 412 women randomly assigned to one of two groups. The first group (212 mothers) were assigned an active doula, whose support included touching, suggestions, and verbal encouragement. The 200 mothers in the second group were assigned an observing doula, who sat quietly in a corner taking notes throughout the labor, but did not touch or talk to the mother. The control group consisted of 204 women who birthed at the hospital without a doula."
Just having a woman in the room makes such a huge difference in the labor and birth experience. I had an amazing Doula that kept my husband calm, and I knew she was in control so I could let go of control and just get through it one contraction at a time, using my Yoga breath. I went to the hospital with two of my babies at 8cm, water broken, needed no intervention, and gave birth in less than two hours.
"In a study of 189 first-time mothers (Hofmeyer, et al, 1991; Wolman, 1993) in Johannesburg, South Africa, researchers investigated how the presence of a doula influences a couple's relationship during and after birth. The women, randomly assigned to doula and no-doula groups, reported no significant differences in satisfaction with their partner before or during pregnancy. Immediately after giving birth, however, only 30 percent of women in the no-doula group reported their relationship with their partner was better, while 71 percent of those who were attended by a doula felt their relationship has improved. By six weeks postpartum, 85 percent of the mothers in the doula group reported increased satisfaction with their partners, compared to only 49 percent of the no-doula group."
WOW!
Wishing Everyone a Wonderful Weekend,
A Meaningful Fast,
Coach Yulia
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