(Stock photo/Emre Eldemir) Because most mothers give birth in hospitals nowadays, that element of a caring, comforting woman providing continuous physical and emotional support has been removed. A doula fills the gap where doctors and nurses leave off.
Woman Shows Gratitude for Exceptional Birth Experience
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JULY 27, 2009
By Press Release

Birth, one of the most important events in a woman’s life, was even better than expected for a local Austin mother with her doula by her side.
Simone and Garret Traverse entered Seton Medical Center of Austin, Texas with Shelley Scotka by her side. Traverse hired Scotka earlier in her pregnancy to enhance her birth experience, educate her, and provide support to her and her husband during the anticipated birth of their son.
Of her role as a doula, Scotka says, "For me, the role of the doula replaces what modern medicine has taken away from women in childbirth. In years past, women were always surrounded by other loving, caring women during birth. Because most mothers give birth in hospitals nowadays, that element of a caring, comforting woman providing continuous physical and emotional support has been removed. A doula fills the gap where doctors and nurses leave off."
Traverse has a genetic blood disorder which lead her to choose not to use a common analgesia, epidural during her labor. She knew she needed extra support.
A doula enhances a woman’s confidence in her own abilities to labor. The father’s role is also enhanced when a doula guides him through the normal process of labor and birth. His confidence is boosted and he is able to devote his attention where it matters most. Studies show that a doula’s presence at the birth experience enhances the parents’ positive perception of their birth and enables mothers to use less medication, while improving outcomes for mothers and babies. The Travers family certainly were satisfied, so satisfied in fact they nominated their doula for a $25,000 award from Advance America www.AdvanceAmerica.net in their Who is There for You campaign, recognizing hard working Americans for the differences they make in people’s lives.
With a cesarean section rate approaching 32% nationwide (CDC), an effort is being made to discover why fewer infants of healthy mothers die in vaginal birth than in cesarean section (CDC). Researchers are beginning to identify alternatives to medical interventions. “Given the clear benefits and no known risks associated with intrapartum support, every effort should be made to ensure all labouring women receive support, not only from those close to them but also from specially trained caregivers. This support should include continuous presence, the provision of hands-on comfort, and encouragement.” (Cochrane Review)
For more information about doulas visit DONA International, www.DONA.org
Shelley Scotka is a Certified Doula and Childbirth Educator living in Round Rock, Texas. She is one of the founding members of Central Texas Doula Association: centxdoulas.org. She can be reached by email at shelley.scotka(at)gmail.com