The word “doula” originates from ancient Greek, meaning “a woman who serves”, and there are many benefits of a doula being available during and after the birth of your child.

The term has come to refer to a trained female birth professional who provides information regarding pregnancy, labor, and birth, offers continuous emotional and physical support throughout labor and delivery, offers explanations of common birth practices and procedures, assists the partner in participating in labor to their comfort level, and most importantly, mothers the mother. A doula serves in a non-medical capacity with the goal of providing the mother with the support she needs at every step.

 

BENEFITS OF A DOULA

Mothers with a doula present are more likely to:​

• experience a shortened labor

• be more satisfied with their birth experience

• have greater success rates of breastfeeding

• require fewer medical interventions, including use of pitocin, rupturing of membranes, use of epidural or narcotics for pain relief, episiotomies, and C-sections

• experience lower rates of postpartum depression

 

A DOULA PROVIDES

 

• Explanations of the physiological and mental/emotional process of labor

• Comfort and reassurance for you and your partner

• Assistance in creating a birth plan

• Breathing and relaxation techniques

• Comfort measures such as massage and laboring positions

• Explanations of what is happening as labor progresses

• Breastfeeding help

• Continuous support throughout labor and delivery

• “On call” support in the last few weeks leading up to your birth and for a few days postpartum