Lifespring
​Lactation & Doula Services
Why Breastfeed??
Breastfeeding your baby is recommended by the World Health Organization exclusively until six months of age and then at least until age two and beyond. The Health of the world is closely linked to breastfeeding. Some proven benefits of breastfeeding include reduced risk of infant death due to SIDS, diarrhea (necrotizing entercolitis) and pneumonia. More breastfeeding benefits for baby incude the reduction of many cancers, asthma, ADHD, type 2 diabetes, obesity, allergies, and dental cavities. Benefits for the breastfeeding mom include risk reduction for Alzheimer's, breast and ovarian cancers, uterine hemorrage, type 2 diabetes, postpartum depression. Breastfeeding is free, natural, and is an amazing bonding time in your relationship with your sweet baby!
Why Hire a Doula?
According to the American Pregnancy Association Website: numerous studies have documented the benefits of having a birth doula present during labor. A recent Cochrane Review, Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth, showed a very high number of positive birth outcomes when a birth doula was present. With the support of a doula, women were less likely to have pain relief medications administered, less likely to have a cesarean birth, and reported having a more positive childbirth experience.
Other studies have shown that having a birth doula as a member of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40% and requests for an epidural by 60%2.
Doulas often use the power of touch and massage to reduce stress and anxiety during labor. Postpartum doula help the mother-baby dyad and the whole family to bond with baby by helping with household duties, providing education and information on newborn care, providing breastfeeding support, and teaching the entire family to bond with the new baby. Postpartum doulas are associated with a decreased risk of postpartum mood disorders and PPD, increased breastfeeding success rates, and a better postpartum experience for both parents, because many stresses of having a new baby are eased by the postpartum doula's support.