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Labor Support: an In Depth Pregnancy Topic
What is labor support? Why is support in labor important to consider? Would I still benefit from having a labor support companion if I think I will want an epidural or other pain medication? Who might provide me with supportive care during labor and birth? What is labor support?Why is support in labor important to consider?Your memories of labor, including the full intensity of your feelings, will stay with you for the rest of your life. Of course you want your experience to be as positive as possible. Research shows that the availability of support in labor can affect how you feel about your labor, yourself, your baby, and your partner. It can even affect your chances of having a cesarean, vacuum extraction, or forceps delivery; the likelihood that you will need pain medications; and your baby's condition at birth. Labor support can help you avoid or reduce risks associated with these interventions. (For more details about labor support's remarkable benefits — and lack of any known risks — follow through this section to the Best Evidence: Labor Support page.)Would I still benefit from having a labor support companion if I think I will want an epidural or other pain medication?Women who plan to use pain medications could also appreciate having a labor support companion for many reasons:
Who might provide me with supportive care during labor and birth?Your partner and your clinical caregivers are possible sources of support. These options are likely to have important strengths and limitations. You may wish to ensure that additional support is available. A large body of research supports including an experienced or trained woman on your labor and birth team. This can be a doula (trained labor support specialist), or it can be a relative or friend who is knowledgeable and comfortable around birth.Most recent page update: 6/30/2008
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