::: Q & A *
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::: Q & A * |
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Pregnancy Nutrition Questions:
A. One question that I am frequently asked by my
prospective clients is "do I still need a doula if I am having an epidural?"
The answer is a resounding YES! Q: Why Hire Labor Support?A. Many studies have shown that the presence of female labor support has incredible benefits!Research from The Journal of
the American Medical Association has
shown that the presence of female labor support includes the following
obstetrical outcomes:
Cesarean Sections: Down 50%
Length of Labor: Down 25%
Oxytocin
Use: Down 40%
Forceps: Down 30% Epidurals: Down 60%
Research from the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (May 1999) reports that the continuous presence of female labor support has the following obstetrical outcomes: Duration of Labor: 1.64 hours less Need for any analgesia: 36% less Need for oxytocin : 71% less Need for use of Forceps: 57% less Need for Cesarean Section: 51% less Penny Simkin, renowned childbirth educator, speaker and author of Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn, has said the following about professional female labor support: "Doulas are the most positive innovation I've seen. And that's because they fit in anywhere: at home, at the hospital, at birth centers. Doulas appeal to many women and their partners -- the idea of having someone there just for them, who has no other obligations, no shift changes -- even fathers who want to play the primary support role are relieved to know there's going to be someone there reminding them and helping out and giving them a break if necessary and offering perspective. The doula is the most significant change that's taking place on in the direction of woman-centered childbirth." For more basic information about the benefits of labor support, click on the links below: Studies on labor support www.gentlebirth.org/archives/doulnots.html#Benefits Interview with Penny Simkin, an international childbirth education expert http://pregnancytoday.com/reference/articles/simkin-whydoula.htm
Q: What are the chances of you missing my birth?
A. Very slim! We purposely take on only a few
clients per month so that we can be sure to attend your birth!
Q: Is it really worth the money?
A. The presence of CPSS drastically reduces the
amount of medical interventions needed during the labor and delivery process.
Because we will be actively supporting you, positioning you and encouraging you,
your chances of having a Cesarean section, an extremely costly medical
procedure, are reduced significantly (see statistics above). The presence of
female labor support will help you feel empowered by your birth experience, a
feeling you will carry with you into parenting. Most women who have utilized the
services of a doula/ CPSS report that their birth
experience was tremendously enhanced, therefore making
it an incredibly valuable investment.
Q. Since now I am eating for two, should I be eating a great deal more? A. Just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean that you should be literally eating for two. Many women, although not all, have a definite increase of appetite once pregnant. It is ok to increase the amount you eat, as long as you are eating healthy and well balanced meals. Being pregnant is not giving you an automatic green light for all the fats or sweets you can put your hands on. Don’t eat “empty” calorie food. You want to increase your intake of calcium and protein.
Q. Exactly how much fluid should I drink while I am pregnant? A. The recommended amount is at least two quart or eight to ten glasses, every day. Which is what is recommended for most people, however now that you are pregnant you really need to pay more attention to your fluid intake. Pregnant women get easily dehydrated. If you don’t like plain water, add fruit juice to your water (make sure is 100% fruit juice, you don’t need extra sugar), or squeeze lemon or orange into your water bottle. Don’t substitute soda with any of the fluid servings recommended; beware especially of the caffeine hidden in some clear sodas. Gatorade or other kinds of electrolyte drinks are fine in moderation. They contain high amounts of sodium and potassium.
Q: Why do I experience bizarre food cravings? A: It is thought that food cravings during pregnancy, represent a way for women to get the extra nutrients their bodies need. Mother Nature in her perfection makes sure we provide our growing child with exactly what he/she needs. Many women crave meat (extra protein) and a particular vegetable or salad. Your innate and common sense should help you understand that your cravings for ice cream may mean your baby is asking for more fat in your diet, or more calcium and protein. Be careful, though; don’t let cravings for high fat foods or sweets get out of hand.
Q: Is it necessary to control my salt intake during pregnancy? A: Pregnant women generally don’t need to change the amount of salt in their diet. Most of us tend to include far more salt in our diets than we need. Ask your doctor, and generally stay away from high-salt-foods like chips and canned goods. A good diet can help prevent several complications during pregnancy such as: anemia, pre-term birth, fetal distress in labor, preeclampsia, learning disabilities, mental retardation, post-partum hemorrhage. Pregnancy is not a good time to diet: but allowing yourself all the sugary foods you can put your hands on is not a good idea either. It is a time to be flexible, not rigid in your diet, and to choose a healthy and safe regime. Copyright © 2006 Arrival Doula |
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