What is a doula?
The word "doula" is a Greek word for a woman who serves.A doula provides emotional, physical and informational support to the birthing family.
A doula is a source of information, an advocate and a labor coach.
A doula does not perform any clinical procedures.
A doula does not take the place of the father/partner.
A doula is a woman who attends the birthing family before, during and just after the birth of a baby. The certified doula is trained to deliver emotional support from home to hospital. She eases the transition into the hospital environment, is there through changing hospital shifts and alternating physician schedules, serves an advocate, labor coach and support partner to give the mother and her partner the added comfort of additional support throughout the entire labor. There is a variety of titles used by women offering these kinds of services such as "birth assistant," "labor support specialist" and "doula."
(From The CAPPA Labor Doula Training Manual)
Statistical Benefits of a Doula
- Reduced overall Cesarean rate
- Reduced length of labor
- Reduced episiotomies
- Reduced oxytocin (Pitocin) use
- Reduced use of pain medication
- Reduced forceps deliveries
- Reduced use of vacuum extractions
- Reduced request for epidural pain medication
- Reduced rate of maternal fever
- Reduced number of days newborns spend in NICU
- Reduced amount of septic workups performed on newborns
- Resulted in higher rates of breastfeeding
- Resulted in more positive maternal assessments of maternal confidence
- Resulted in more positive maternal assessments of maternal and newborn health
- Resulted in decreased rates of postpartum mood disorders
- Mothers and partners report a more positive birth experience
The Joys of Having a Doula
- Having someone committed to only you during labor and birth
- Having someone to listen to your needs and help you achieve them
- Having someone there to support and work as a team with the partner
- Having someone there to remain by your side when your partner needs a break
- Having someone to lean on
- Having someone to cry with
- Having someone to massage your aching back
- Having someone to apply counter pressure
- Having someone to be in sync with each contraction
- Having someone to hold your hair and the puke pail
- Having someone to rub your hands and your feet
- Having someone to take control and get you back on track if you need it
- Having someone to whisper encouragements
- Having someone to remind you that you can do it
- Having someone to say, "This is normal"
- Having someone you can yell at and know they are okay with that
- Having someone to apply cold or heat
- Having someone to listen to your fears
- Having someone to apply that warm perineal compress
- Having someone that will get out of a comfy bed to be at your beside at 3am
"She did a great job. I'm so glad she was there. I couldn't imagine delivering w/out her. " (A.W.)
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