What is a Doula?


A doula is someone who is experienced in childbirth and someone who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.

A Trained Doula

  • Recognizes childbirth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
  • Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of women in labor
  • Assists women in preparing for and carrying out her plans for the birth
  • Stays with the woman throughout her labor
  • Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, and an objective viewpoint, and helps the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions
  • Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical care providers
  • Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman’s memory of the birth experience
  • Allows the woman’s partner to participate at their own comfort level

Benefits of Having a Doula

  • 60% Reduction in epidural anesthesia requests
  • 50% Reduction in cesarean section rates
  • 40% Reduction in pitocin use
  • 40% Reduction in forceps and other assisted deliveries
  • 30% Reduction in analgesia use
  • 25% Shorter Labors
  • Fewer cases of postpartum mood disorders
  • Increased successful breastfeeding
  • Better mother-infant interaction
  • Greater overall satisfaction with the birth experience
  • Increased sense of self-confidence and feeling of empowerment for mother
  • Increased confidence and participation by the partner

 

 

© Copyright 2024 MaryBeth Nance. All rights reserved. Photography by: Blair Blanks Photography