Doula or Your Friend

It's tough to choose who you would like to attend your labor and delivery.  How many is too many? Who will help the most? So, here are some thoughts. Not from me but from The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth, Henci Goer, 1999.

COMPARISON BETWEEN LABOR SUPPORT FROM A FEMALE RELATIVE OR FIEND AND A DOULA.

Female Relative or Friend

She knows you and your partner well. Ties of affection make you comfortable with her in the intimacy of labor and birth.

She may have beliefs and experiences with labor that may color her behavior and bias her advice.

She has no special training or experience, but she may not need it.  The most effective and important component of doula care is loving touch.

She costs nothing, but you have no authority over her.

Doula

She knows you, but the fact that you have no ongoing relationship means you don't have to perform for her or worry about what she might think of you.

While caring, she is likely to be more objective.
She knows about labor, techniques to promote good progress, and comfort measures.  She can help facilitate communication between you and your caregivers.  She, too, provides a loving touch.

She charges for her services, but her responsibility is to please you.

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Shaina Streyle
(605)553-3460
safehavendoula@gmail.com
Serving Cheyenne, Wy & Surrounding Areas