Join the Learn True Health Community & Support Us on Patreon! Patreon.com/learntruehealth https://www.patreon.com/learntruehealth  www.letitbebirth.com Doulas   http://learntruehealth.com/doulas/ Doulas have been around for a long time. Derived from the Greek term, “servant woman,” more pregnant women opt to have birth doulas during labor to avoid undergoing a cesarean section. I had a great birthing experience with a doula, too. So I’m thrilled to have Kate Dewey on the show today who can expound on her role during birthing.  Early Exposure  Kate Dewey says her interest in birthing started in childhood when she first watched the movie, “Look Who’s Talking.”  She realized that she loved the idea of birth.  And because her grandmother was a nurse, it further influenced Kate Dewey’s yearning to become a mom someday. That dream of having kids and being a certified doula turned into a reality years later.   Becoming A Doula  Kate Dewey shares that she particularly became interested in becoming a doula after she gave birth to her daughter in 2006. Her personal experience in childbirth inspired her to help women give birth naturally.   However, it was not until 2008 when she gave birth to her second child that she trained with DONA International. It was a blessing that she underwent training because her second delivery was everything she envisioned it would be.   Doula Vs. Midwife  The need for a doula indeed arose out of the huge cultural shift that’s taken place over the last 50 years. When I gave birth, my doula played a significant role in ensuring that the delivery of my baby was as smooth as possible.  However, many women still confuse doulas and midwives.   First of all, midwives are capable of assisting decision-making aspects. These can be anything from medical exams and whether or not a woman needs anesthesia. In most cases, midwives usually have adequate training in clinical nursing training.   Doulas on the other hand, primarily provide emotional and physical support. They also help new mothers and their family time to adjust taking care of the new baby.   “As a birth doula, I support women and families as they give birth to their babies. That can mean different things,” said Kate Dewey. “We are present for the home birth and birthing centers. And we help women in delivery by giving physical and emotional support.”  Hospitals Providing Birth Doulas  Apparently, more hospitals are recognizing the need for doulas apart from midwives. Kate Dewey explains that in the hospital, doulas complement the birth team because they’re not a medical care provider. Nor are they equipped to deliver a baby or give medical advice.  Essentially, doulas help mothers understand what birthing options are available. Part of their job is also to make sure that the labor continues to progress.  Kate Dewey also explains that there is also a particular technique to help new mothers cope with pain.   “We can decrease the overall cesarean rate by 50%. And we can shorten the length of labor by almost 25%. There is also a lower epidural request by 50%,” reveals Kate Dewey.  Furthermore, hiring a doula significantly increases the success rate of breastfeeding and lower blood pressure during labor. Overall, having them around substantially contributes to happy childbirth.   Hiring A Doula  Before hiring, it is essential that you are comfortable with your birthing team.  Kate Dewey says that she and her partner KC Johnston, have had ample training and adequate experience to ensure that your pre-delivery and postpartum goes as smooth as possible.   According to Kate Dewey, their $1,500 birth package includes prenatal visits and full support every step of the way. Most of their clients truly appreciate the extra help in taking care of the new baby.   “The midwife primarily focuses on the safety of the mom and baby. Their job is easier if there is a doula. We’re often at the birth before the midwife,” said Kate Dewey. “Women who are birthing need loving supp