Birth Doulas - Eugene Oregon

Doulas
of the
Lane County Birth Network

Doulas at the
Heart of Birth.

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Doula of Lane County
(541) 485-9430
Eugene, OR
info@birthcompanion.org
www.BirthCompanion.org

Birth Doulas

A birth doula's role is to provide physical comfort, emotional support, and information to families before, during, and after childbirth.

Before the Birth:

Your doula will meet with you to get to know you and your needs and to help you become informed about choices that optimize safety and satisfaction for childbirth, with respect for your personal values and desires during the birth.

During Labor and Birth:

Your doula will remain with you throughout the entire birth. She will suggest techniques that reduce stress and pain and enhance progress. She will reassure and encourage you and provide guidance for your partner/family in their special roles. She can also help improve communication with your care providers.

After the Baby Arrives:

Your doula will visit your new family at home for a full review of your birth experience and offer support, breastfeeding guidance and tips for a happy, healthy postpartum adjustment.

Benefits of a Doula

"If a doula were a drug,
it would be unethical not to use it."
- Dr. John H. Kennell, author of The Doula Book

The Cochrane Review on Effects of Continuous Labor Support, is the most recently systemic review of continuous labor support, which reviewed nearly 13,000 women who participated in 15 randomized controlled trials. The research findings demonstrate that women who receive continuous labor support are:

less likely to have an epidural or other "regional" analgesia
less likely to use any type of pain medication (including narcotics)
less likely to give birth by cesarean section
less likely to give birth with vacuum extraction or forceps
less likely to be dissatisfied with or give a negative rating to their childbirth experience.

Listening to Mothers, a recent national survey of women’s birth experiences, rated doulas highest in terms of quality of supportive care during labor. Doulas were rated higher than family members, friends, nurses or physicians in providing emotional and physical support during labor and birth.

"Continuous support during labor should be the norm, rather than the exception. All women should be allowed and encouraged to have support people with them continuously during labor."
- Hodnett and colleagues, Cochrane Review, 2004

For referrals to birth or postpartum doulas click here or call the information line today:
(541) 485-9430