Hello and Welcome!
Congratulations on your upcoming birth!
I'm delighted that you are considering the priceless aid of a Doula.
What is a Doula?
The word Doula is a Greek word that means "woman’s servant" or a "woman who serves". Women have been serving other women in childbirth for centuries and have proven that this support has positive effects on the labor process.
The Lamaze Institute for Normal Birth supports the right of every pregnant woman "to receive continuous social, emotional and physical support during labor and birth from a caregiver who has been trained in labor support" (a Doula).
A Doula knows that birth is a normal and blessed event, and a memory that the family will make and keep for a lifetime. Doulas improve birth outcomes for mothers and babies, and several evidence based studies have been done that show this. Based on 6 randomized studies of over 1500 women, the presence of a doula :
~ reduces overall cesarean rate by 50%
~ reduces length of labor by 25%
~ reduces oxytocin (Pitocin) use by 40%
~ reduces use of pain medications by 30%
~ reduces the need for forceps by 40%
~ reduces requests for epidurals by 60%
These are taken from "Mothering the Mother ....How a doula can help you have a shorter, easier and healthier birth" by Marshall H. Klauss, MD; John H. Kennel, MD; and Phyliss H., Klauss, M.Ed, CSW page 51
The acceptance of Doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well being of mothers and infants.
But if you're still unsure about why you need (and deserve) a Doula, here are some things to consider.
What does a Doula do?
Most Doula and client relationships begin a few months before the baby is due. During this time, they establish a relationship that gives the mother complete freedom to ask questions, express fears and concerns, and take an active role in creating a birth plan.
Most Doulas make themselves available to the mother by phone to answer questions or explain any developments that may arise in pregnancy. Doulas do not provide any type of medical care. However, they are knowledgeable in the medical aspect of labor and delivery so they can help their clients get a better understanding of procedures and complications that may arise in late pregnancy or during delivery.
During birth, Doulas are in constant, close proximity to the mother at all times. They can provide comfort with pain relief techniques, such as breathing, relaxing, massage and laboring positions.
What About Dad?
The partner participates at his own comfort level. Some partners prefer to be there only to witness the birth of their child and to share this experience with the woman they love. They may not want to play an active role and do not want to be responsible for the woman's comfort and emotional security. The Doula can fill in and allow the partner to participate as he wishes, without leaving the woman's needs unmet. When the partner chooses to be the major source of emotional support, the Doula can supplement his or her efforts by running errands, making suggestions for comfort measures, and offering words of reassurance and comfort. During a long tiring labor, she can give the partner a break for a brief rest or change of scene.
While the Doula probably knows more than the partner about birth, hospitals, and maternity care, the partner knows more about the woman's personality, likes and dislikes, and needs. Moreover, they love the woman more than anyone else there. The combined contributions of partner and Doula, along with a competent, considerate and caring staff gives the woman the best chance of an optimal outcome.
For additional information, you may want to visit these very helpful web sites:
Recommended Reading:
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What makes up a doulas fee:
