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What is a Doula ?..... DONA INTERNATIONAL The Premier Doula Organization PO Box 626, Jasper, IN 47547 Phone: 888-788-DONA (3662) Fax: 812-634-1491 doula@DONA.org www.DONA.org Birth Doula: A woman trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a woman during labor, birth and the immediate postpartum period. Postpartum doula: A woman trained to care for new families in the first weeks after birth providing household help, advice with newborn care and infant feeding, and emotional support. Effects on Birth Outcomes: Labors are shorter. There are fewer complications. Cesarean rates are reduced. There is less need for oxytocin to speed up labor. Need for forceps is reduced. Women request less pain medication and epidurals Effects on the Mother: Greater satisfaction with their birth experience. More positive assessments of their babies. Less postpartum depression. Effects on the Baby: Babies have shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries. Babies breastfeed more easily. Mothers are more affectionate to their babies postpartum. Effects on the health care system: The cost of obstetrical care is dramatically reduced. Women are pleased with the personalized care doulas offer. The Benefit of continuous support in labor is recognized by: The World Health Organization The Medical Leadership Council (an organization of over 1200 U.S. hospitals) The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada How doulas practice: Privately, hired directly by clients As hospital employees As volunteers in community or hospital programs DONA – Doulas of North America: A non-profit organization incorporated in 1992, which trains and certifies doulas according to strict ethical standards. To locate a doula in your area or to find out about DONA approved training www.DONA.org or call toll-free 888-788-DONA. ©DONA 2002 Permission granted to freely reproduce in whole or in part with complete attribution. Calgary birth doula supporting women and families through labour and childbirth 403-852-3345 Little Origin doula services info@littleorigin.ca mailto:doula@DONA.orghttp://www.DONA.orghttp://www.DONA.orgmailto:info@littleorigin.cashapeimage_2_link_0shapeimage_2_link_1shapeimage_2_link_2shapeimage_2_link_3
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