| What is a doula? |
| Doula, pronounced doo'-la, is a Greek word which has come to mean: "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after childbirth." (Klaus, Kennell, & Klaus: Mothering the Mother) * Recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life. * Stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout labor and delivery. * Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of the woman in labor. * Assists a woman and her partner in preparing and carrying out their plans for birth. * Provides emotional and physical support, an objective viewpoint, and information to aid in decision-making. * Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and her other care providers. * Complements the care provided by her partner, other family members, and friends. |
| A Doula... |
| A Doula does not... |
| * Perform clinical tasks such as blood pressure readings, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, and others. She is there to provide only physical comfort, emotional support, and advocacy. * Make decisions for you. She will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision. She will also remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan. * Speak to the staff on your behalf. She will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will speak on your behalf to the clinical staff. |
| Doulas: The Newest Members of the Maternity Care Team 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. Health care analysts, institutions, and insurers are now recognizing the significant reduction in health care costs when a doula is present at birth. Doulas are found in many birth settings and work in cooperation with physicians, nurses, midwives, and the partners and families of laboring women. |
| Benefits of Doula Attended Births |
| Advantages of Labor Support |
| Long-term Benefits |
| * Improved breastfeeding * Decreased postpartum depression * Increased satisfaction with partner and birth experience |
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| Research results confirm an up to: * 50% reduction in cesarean section rate * 25% shorter labor * 40% reduction in forceps delivery * 40% reduction in oxytocin use * 60% reduction in epidural requests * 30% reduction in analgesia use |