Birth Doula

What is a birth doula? A woman trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a woman during labor, birth and the immediate postpartum period.


~ A doula is chosen by the birthing mother and is a constant companion during labor and birth.

~ You may have a partner, close friend or a family member that will be with you through your labor and birth. The doula is there in addition to, not instead of, the partner; they make the perfect support team for you by complementing each other’s strengths.

~ The doula helps ensure your needs are met while enhancing communication and understanding between you, your partner and the medical staff.

~ A doula recognizes birth as a potentially life-changing experience that is unique to you.

~ A doula can support you whether it is a vaginal, cesarean or vaginal birth after a cesarean birth, in a hospital setting, birth center or home birth.

~ A doula does not perform any clinical tasks, such as vaginal exams, fetal heart rate monitoring or medical advice.

~ A doula’s goal is to help a woman to have a safe, satisfying, and informed birth.

 

The Effects of Doula Support on:

Birth Outcomes:

~Labors are shorter.

~There are fewer complications.

~Cesarean rates are reduced.

~Women request less pain medication and epidurals.

The Mother:

~Greater satisfaction with their birth experience.

~More positive assessments of their babies.

~Less postpartum depression.

The Baby:

~Babies have shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries.

~Babies breastfeed more easily.

~Mothers are more affectionate to their babies postpartum.

The Health Care System:

~The cost of obstetrical care is dramatically reduced.

~Women are pleased with the personalized care doulas offer.

 *Information taken from DONA website www.dona.org