Education and emotional support improve childbirth outcomes non pharmacologic inexpensive pain relief

Main Category: Pain / Anesthetics
Article Date: 25 Jul 2004 - 0:00 PDT

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In a study conducted by the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (USA) in 1998, researchers found doula support to be an effective, risk-free, non-pharmacologic, and inexpensive pain relief method that may be a viable alternative to epidural analgesia for many women in labor; without the negative side effects and expense of an epidural.

They continued to say "doula support offers the laboring woman a significant reduction in the pain of childbirth while also decreasing the chance of a cesarean delivery." A second study conducted by researchers from Case Western Reserve University reporting on the latest of a series of studies found that providing the support of a doula to women during childbirth decreased cesarean section delivery rates, shortened labor times and reduced the need for analgesia.

Childbirth Education and Labor Doula Support have also been shown to increase breastfeeding rates, increase satisfaction with the birth experience as well as promote family bonding; couples are able to make the transition to parenthood more smoothly when they have received childbirth education, when they have confidence, and when they are supported.

CAPPA is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1998 to provide the excellence in the important fields of childbirth education and labor doula support. CAPPA is the only organization that certifies childbirth educators, lactation educators, ant-partum doulas, labor doulas, and post-partum doulas. CAPPA also offers specialized training in teen support and adoption services. The organization consists of a leadership board, regional representatives, trainers, mentors, advisors, and its membership.

CAPPA offers the highest level of evidence based training available. CAPPA is the most comprehensive pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum organization available…caring for women before, during, and after childbirth through education and support. CAPPA is the fastest growing childbirth and doula organization in the world.

Childbirth Educators offer comprehensive childbirth classes. Parents learn not only about the changes that will occur during labor and birth, but can become aware of their options for childbirth and the benefits and risks of each option so that they may become a more active participant in their birth decisions.

Lactation Educators help parents learn about the importance of breastfeeding, provide information that can help ensure a successful breastfeeding relationship, as well as help parents to avoid common problems that may occur, identify these problems should they arise, and know how to easily solve some of these problems. Lactation education has been shown to dramatically increase the breastfeeding rate, leading to all of the benefits nursing has been proven to provide.

Labor Doulas provide continuous emotional, physical, and educational support through labor and delivery. Clinical studies have shown a wide array of benefits to mom, baby, and the birth outcome when a labor doula is present at the birth. Labor Doulas have been recognized by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the World Health Organization, and the Medical Leadership Council. They have received national attention for their positive impact on the birthing community.

Ante-partum Doulas have extensive training that relates to assisting women who are pregnant, on bed-rest, who may or may not be high-risk. This doula specializes in assisting women and families with informational, physical, emotional and practical support. These may include, but are not limited to basic childbirth education; referrals of books, web sites, or support groups, teaching relaxation and massage, one on one care, bed-rest assistance, sibling care, errands, meal preparation and home care. The Ante-partum Doula does not perform any clinical care; the role is strictly non-medical.

Postpartum Doulas provide support in the first few weeks after delivery. They assist with breastfeeding, newborn care, some household chores, and help smooth the transition into parenting. Postpartum doulas have been shown to increase the confidence level of new parents as well as decrease the stress level, lowering rates of child abuse and increasing the enjoyment of the newborn period.

CAPPA recognizes the importance of each of these roles and looks forward to continuing its mission to offer the highest level of professionalism, education, and support to families and the birthing community.

To learn more about CAPPA, locate a member, representative, educator, support person, or inquire about becoming a certified member, call CAPPA at 888-548-3672, or visit our website at http://www.cappa.net