Research shows that doula supported births are faster and more satisfying experiences overall. A doula will guide you through this amazing journey of preparing for your birth and will support you all the way through with compassionate and unbiased support. We'll talk about what you want for your birth and help you prepare to make that happen.Take a look at the beneficial difference a doula can make in labor!
Studies such as the Cochrane Review prove that the continuous support of a doula during labor:
Studies such as the Cochrane Review prove that the continuous support of a doula during labor:
- Reduces c-section rates by 28%
- Shortens time spent in labor
- Reduces levels of fear, anxiety, and pain felt in labor
- Reduces the incidence of assisted deliveries (i.e. vacuum, forceps)
- Decreases the use of narcotics and epidural anesthesia
- Reduces the incidence of postpartum depression
- Increases maternal satisfaction with birth experience
- Increases rate of successful breastfeeding
- Enhances emotional state of mothers & relationship with the birth partner postpartum
What is a doula?
A labor doula (also known as a birth doula) provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother and her family during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. This includes getting to know you, your birth preferences, and background. They are then able to provide exceptional, personalized service to support you and your family.
What does a doula do?
What do they not do?
Because doulas are trained and knowledgeable of the childbirth process, they are able to provide expert care for the mother and help her to advocate for herself and her wishes. However, they do not talk to your provider for you. This is your birth and the decisions will be made by you.
Often times, a doula will make a postpartum home visit to check up on mom and baby in the weeks after birth. Postpartum doulas specialize in serving the mother and family in their home after the baby is born.
Doulas are helpful in whatever setting the mother wishes for her birth - hospital births, homebirths, water births, or births at a birth center.
Doulas work with a variety of birth plans and outcomes such as natural births, births using epidurals, or even cesarean births.
For more frequently asked questions, see my FAQ.
What does a doula do?
- provides evidence-based information on common procedures and interventions so that you can make informed decisions about your care
- stays by your side continually during labor to help make you comfortable and relaxed
- encourages you and your birth partner to work together for the best possible outcome
- holds your hand, breathes with you, rubs your back and reminds you that you can do it
- suggests relaxation techniques, optimal positions for the most efficient labor progress, and helps with non-medical pain management
- provides additional support for the father or birth partner throughout labor & delivery
- helps you learn to advocate for yourself and your desires
- assists with initial breastfeeding (if desired) and helps with care of the mother and the newborn shortly after birth
What do they not do?
- perform medical procedures
- give medical advice
- make decisions for you
- take over the role of the father
Because doulas are trained and knowledgeable of the childbirth process, they are able to provide expert care for the mother and help her to advocate for herself and her wishes. However, they do not talk to your provider for you. This is your birth and the decisions will be made by you.
Often times, a doula will make a postpartum home visit to check up on mom and baby in the weeks after birth. Postpartum doulas specialize in serving the mother and family in their home after the baby is born.
Doulas are helpful in whatever setting the mother wishes for her birth - hospital births, homebirths, water births, or births at a birth center.
Doulas work with a variety of birth plans and outcomes such as natural births, births using epidurals, or even cesarean births.
For more frequently asked questions, see my FAQ.