What is a Doula?

The word, "doula" comes from the Greek word for the most important female slave or servant in an ancient Greek household, the woman who probably helped the lady of the house through her childbearing. The word has come to refer to "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth." (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, Mothering the Mother)

What does a Doula do?

A Doula recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will always remember. She understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor. She will assist the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth. A doula will facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and clinical care providers. A Doula helps the woman to identify her options during pregnancy and childbirth but does not tell her which option to choose. She helps a woman discover her own strength and her support is unconditional. A Doula knows that birth is a strong, powerful, and empowering experience and recognizes the woman does not need to be "delivered" but rather "births" her baby into the world. She is a familiar face for the woman as she stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor providing comfort measures, emotional support, and assistance to the woman thus enabling her to make good decisions for her and her new baby. After the birth, a doula remains to help the mother and baby get acquainted allowing time for breastfeeding if desired. A Doula does not perform any medical procedures.

Why do I need a Doula? What are the benefits of having a Doula?

Studies have continued to show that having a Doula during labor and birth result in: Effects on Birth Outcomes:
50% reduction in the Cesarean rate 25% shorter labor 60% reduction in epidural requests 40% reduction in oxytocin use 30% reduction in analgesia use 40% reduction in forceps delivery