After participating in the calmbirth® classes, you may decide that you would like additional support during your birth. We can refer you to a number of Doulas who are familiar with the calmbirth® techniques and we always try to find someone who you will be comfortable sharing your birth experience with.
Your doula will meet with you to discuss your specific wishes about your birth, providing informational support, but not judging your choices.
She does not make medical decisions or perform clinical tasks, but can offer information and explanations regarding medical interventions or possible natural alternatives. It is important that the woman has power over her birth choices, as evidence shows that this will have the best effect on mother and baby.
During birth, your doula will provide continuous, compassionate support and gentle encouragement to you and your partner. With their doula present, the couple are able to give themselves over to the birth process and to have a calm, relaxed and often extremely satisfying birth. Research has shown that the use of birth support can have the following benefits: reduction in the caesarean rates, shorter labours, reduction in epidural and pain relief requests, reduction in the use of inductions and forceps, improved breastfeeding rates, decreased postnatal depression and increased satisfaction with the birth experience.
**Klaus, Kennell and Klaus (1993)
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