The Ripple Effect

Shared by: Melanie Little

My personal birth philosophy is that every woman deserves to experience birth in a way that feels natural and comfortable for them – in a way in which she feels fulfilled and satisfied according to her own definition of success. I believe this to be true regardless of whether a woman is more comfortable with the medical model or the midwifery model of care, prefers medication or a non intervention approach, wishes to birth at home or in the hospital, all women (and their partners).

In addition to the NUMEROUS physical benefits proven with doula support, I have noticed a clear societal effect. The self esteem and self confidence boost (or, conversely, the loss of self esteem and self worth) a woman feels during and after her labors can and do have a profound impact on that woman as an individual, as a partner and as a mother.

When a mother has a 'traumatic' birth experience this can become what she perceives birth to be like in its entirety. If she believes birth to be frightening, painful, unsupported, lonely or cold this may be what she conveys to other expecting women she meets. I believe this is truly a tragic outcome as it deepens the fear of birth already so prevalent in North American culture. When she is informed, empowered, safe, felt she was part of the process – when she feels that she had a successful birth as she defines it this is the story she tells other expectant mothers. She passes that empowerment on in her words and reassurances. “You can do it don't worry” “Just let your body do its job” “Don't let anyone make you feel bad about your choices” - these are some of the phrases I have heard from one mother to another that have genuinely inspired women while so many others around them are telling their 'horror stories'.

When birth doesn't not go as hoped (whether it is unplanned medications, moving from home to hospital, the woman's partner does not make it in time and so forth), the presence of a doula can be invaluable in reconciling and sorting through a mother's thoughts and emotions. An unrelated support person may be able to provide a different perspective to the situation – especially if what mom or her partner THOUGHT happened is not what actually occurred.

I believe that the benefits of doula support goes well beyond the laboring couple and the immediate birth, and moves through our society like a warm wind. A Doula For Every Woman Who Wants One? Absolutely.