A DOULA’S ROLE

 

What is a doula?

 

A doula is a non-medical assistant, trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother and her partner before, during and just after childbirth.

 

The word doula actually comes from ancient Greek and means “Woman’s Servant”. Throughout history, women all over the world have been supported during childbirth by other women.  A woman going through labor and birth could depend on these other wise women for encouragement, back rubs, advice, and emotional support. The role of doulas now is based on this ancient tradition of support and care.

 

What do doulas do?

 

Doulas are experienced in providing tried and true comfort measures specific to labor. These can include suggestions for changing positions, vocalization, rhythmic movement, guided relaxation with breathing and/or visualization, and specialized massage for labor. A doula also helps families gather important information before and during labor so they are completely informed about all their options and can feel confident about their decisions.

   

The most valuable thing a doula offers is continuous emotional support. This comes in the form of verbal encouragement and reassurance, a constant physical presence, and full trust in your power and ability to birth.

 

Doulas nurture birthing women by treating them with kindness, respect, and dignity, creating a lasting positive impact on the mother, her partner, and the baby.

 

Why have a doula at your birth?

 

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth

• tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications

• reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience

• reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans

• reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals

 

Research shows parents who receive support can:

• Feel more secure and cared for

• Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics

• Have greater success with breastfeeding

• Have greater self-confidence

• Have less postpartum depression