Doula Care Under Utilized
- Shahiroz Walji
- Jan 24, 2023
- 2 min read
Doula care is an underutilized resource to improve the outcomes.......
In the United States, we are ranked 33 out of 36 top westernized countries, in maternal and infant death and damage.
We have the highest number of premature deaths that are considered preventable with timely access to effective education and quality preventative health care.
Doula care is an underutilized resource to improve the outcome of maternal and infant health.
The presence of a doula can be beneficial no matter what type of birth you are planning. Many women report needing fewer interventions when they have one. The primary role of the doula is to help mothers feel safe, and supported and create a pleasant birth experience that supports primary bonding.
Doulas play a vital role in the community, Studies have shown that having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases fears of the unknown significantly for the client.
Decreases requests for additional pain medications such as an epidural by 60%, plus the overall cesarean rate drops by 50%, the use of oxytocin by 40% the length of labor by 25%.
Most common surgical procedure today
The Caesarean-delivery rate in the United States has climbed significantly in recent years, from 20.7 percent in 1996 to 32.8 percent in 2011, and still in 2022, the stats are still high for some hospitals according to background information provided in the study.
Researchers at the U of M’s School of Public Health analyzed hospital discharge data from 593 hospitals that had at least 100 births in 2009. They found that the C-section rate ranged from 7.1 percent to 69.9 percent depending on the hospital. C-sections are now the nation’s most commonly performed surgical procedure.
Doulas, are a powerful asset they build trusting relationships with their clients, use the power of high touch and massage to reduce stress and anxiety during labor one compassionate human being caring for another instead of a machine changes everything.
They provide during the child-bearing years for women physically, emotionally, and with informational support – prenatally, during labor - delivery, and postpartum.
The Netherlands it’s ranked number 1% plus has the lowest caesarian section rates which is more than 3 times lower than the United States and any caesarian section rating above 10% does not lower the maternal and infant death numbers according to the WHO..
They have a unique Obstetrical model which relies heavily on Midwifery and Doula Care providing over 30% of Dutch women deliver at home while around 60% do so in hospital, mostly for medical reasons, and another 10% deliver in special out-patient birthing clinics. The figure has been stable since 1990, according to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment.
They are a positive impact asset to the health and well-being of the child-bearing women of the Netherlands this is a great model to attain here in the US.
The need for Doulas is growing daily, women are becoming informed consumers at a high rate of speed. They are desiring to be their own rescue by making informed choices about their births. We are here to serve and support them.
Carol Wachniak CEO Doula
Owner Since, 2008 Birthing Community/ Doula's Birth/ Postpartum -Homebirth-Midwifery/ Birth Professionals 6,823 members https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1121057/
Respectfully yours,
Carol Wachniak
Legacy is: “The difference you make by the actions you take!”
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