Trivia Tuesday Answer Guide

7/7 TRIVIA TUESDAY Answers

1. True or False: Doulas are really only useful for unmedicated births.

False!

In fact, I’d argue that doulas are even MORE important for those who are planning an epidural or know that they’re likely to have an induction. No intervention exists in a vacuum and any intervention (including an epidural) may lead to more interventions. Doulas can help you determine the best time to introduce interventions and then help you navigate any changes to your plans if necessary.

2. Can a doula act as a medical professional?

c) No, doulas provide strictly non-medical support and do not perform clinical tasks.

This means doulas do not check blood pressure, check cervical dilation, listen to fetal heart tones, or otherwise give medical advice. However, doulas DO work alongside your medical team to support you emotionally and physically.

Sometimes that looks like double hip squeezes and reminding you how strong you are, sometimes that looks like running to the nurses station to get you fresh water and a cup of ice, and sometimes that means making sure your partner has eaten so they don’t pass out when it’s time to push.

3. When does a birth doula typically join the birthing person?

d) in early labor or early in active labor whenever you feel the need for support

While many times (especially for first time parents) you may not feel the need for support until you feel like you’re ready to head to the hospital, your doula should be prepared to meet you wherever you need it whenever you need it. Maybe that means getting to your house and then you immediately get back in the car and head to the hospital. Maybe that means you would just like someone to show your partner what to do in early labor and then you can send your doula home for a while.

If you’re hiring a doula, be sure to ask what their policies are procedures are about this!

4. True or False: Doulas replace birth partners.

1000000% false!

Doulas help everyone in the birth space. Yes, a doula may have an extra special touch that comes with years of experience and they may have some more insight and knowledge about the birth process, but that doesn’t mean your other birth partners aren’t still SO important.

As a doula, I always try to make it a point to guide partners to help you so the birth of your baby becomes a bonding experience for the two of you. It’s my favorite when my clients say, “Oh you were so amazing we don’t need Katie next time!” and their partners say, “Oh yes we do! She was telling me exactly what to do otherwise I would’ve had no idea!”

5. Doulas reduce your risk of a c-section by ____ percentage?

c) 39%

That’s right… having continuous labor support with a doula decreases your chance of having a c-section by 39 percent!

According to a Cochrine review on continuous labor support, doulas also increase the likelihood that you won’t need an induction by 15%, decrease the need for any pain relief medication by 10%, and increase the satisfaction of the birth experience overall by 31%!

Even before I was a doula, I would sing their praises because I knew just how beneficial they are. If you’re looking to add a birth doula to your team and think we may be a good fit, schedule a consultation call HERE.

Want to know what previous clients have to say? You can read about a few of their experiences under LOVE NOTES