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What is a Doula and Why Have One?
Doulas provide emotional, physical and informational support during pregnancy, labor,
birth and immediate postpartum.
A Doula does not replace the partner. Instead she helps support the partner so that he can love and encourage the
labouring woman. The partner will quickly find out that the Doula helps enrich their role by also supporting them,
individually and as a couple. The Doula provides experience, knowledge, guidance and helps to create fond birth
memories.
Relevant Statistics:
Every woman deserves a Doula present at her birth. Statistically speaking, the difference in a Doula-supported
birth versus a birth without a Doula is astounding:
- Length of first time labor decreased 25%*
- Need for labor stimulation decreased 40%*
- Requests for epidurals decreased 60%*
- Cesarean Section rate decreased 50%*
There are many benefits beyond what is noted above. Generally speaking, couples/women that have a Doula at the
birth of their child express greater satisfaction with the birth experience even if things don't go as planned.
And generally speaking - because of the statistics listed above - the outcome is healthier babies and moms, and
better breastfeeding experiences.
There are several things a Doula can do to help make your birth experience everything you hope for. Labor is a
time to shower the mom-to-be with some tender loving care, and comfort measures such as massage can be essential
to keeping things moving along.
A Doula provides continuous, uninterrupted support throughout labor and delivery.
She offers massage, suggestions for position changes, relaxation techniques, reminders to stay hydrated and keep
her bladder empty. Doulas are trained in methods to help make your birth experience more comfortable. A Doula can
suggest different positions to ease labor and help with pushing. She also believes in a woman's ability to birth
her baby.
A Doula will help you communicate your needs to your caregivers. A Doula can also help the birth partner become
a more active participant during labor and birth.
Next: Purpose
and Value of Labour Support
*Statistics from Mothering the Mother, by Marshall Klaus, MD, John Kennell, MD and Phyllis Klaus, M Ed, CSW
For more statistics see:
http://www.childbirth.org/articles/stats.html
For information on research and doulas see:
http://www.childbirth.org/articles/doulares.html
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