Birthing - using a doula

What is a doula?
A doula is a woman who accompanies a birthing mother during labor. This assistance is done with the desire of enhancing the mother's birth experience and encouraging a safe and satisfying journey. A doula's role includes myriad forms of physical, emotional, and informational support throughout pregnancy and labor. These forms can often be expressed through childbirth education, massage, relaxation - breathing - visualization guidance, as well as pain management techniques. While a doula is not exclusively for mother's choosing natural childbirth (lacking excessive interventions & narcotics) there is a philosophical belief that the more natural a birth is, the more a doula's presence is helpful.

Why use a doula?
Having a doula at your birth has been statistically shown to:
• Reduce the need for cesareans by 50%
• Reduce the length of labor by 25%
• Reduce the requests for epidurals by 60%
• Reduce the requests for pain medication by 30%
• Reduce the need for oxytocin (pitocin) by 40%
• Reduce the need for forceps by 40%
• Increase incidence of breastfeeding at six weeks postpartum
• Decrease incidence of depression and increase self-esteem at six weeks post partum
• Increase satisfaction of mothers with partners at six weeks post partum

Santosa Philosophy:
• I believe that pregnancy and birth are natural, healthy and safe experiences for all women.
• I believe that women helping women through childbirth passes on an ancient ritual and rite of passage. These enhance positive experiences of pregnancy, birth, family bonding and parenting.
• I believe that becoming a mother or father is an inspiring and emotional journey, which a doula can help support and guide throughout the preparation months.
• I believe that knowlege of the childbirth experience as well as options and alternatives secure a foundation in a holistic birth experience.
• I believe that all mothers have the innate wisdom and ability to birth. I believe in fostering that wisdom and confidence within the expecting parents.

Services Include
• A complimentary interview
• Prenatal & Postpartum meetings
• 24 hour on-call telephone assistance
• A complimentary Midwife/OB's visit
• Breastfeeding & Childbirth Prep information
• Labor support throughout your birth
• Pediatric and Wellness Referrals

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