What is A Doula?
A Doula is a woman experienced with childbirth who provides emotional, physical and informational support to the expectant family before, during and immediately after birth.
A Doula recognizes birth as a key life experience, one that impacts and shapes the course of life for a woman and her family. The Doula works to nurture and protect that experience by encouraging the woman to give birth in her own unique way.
“Wherever and however you intend to give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body, and your spirit for the rest of your life.”
Why Hire a Doula?
Clinical studies have founds that a Doula's presence at a birth can result in shorter labors with fewer complications and reduce negative feelings about one's birth experience. When continuous labor support was provided by a Doula, women experienced a:
Decrease in the use of Pitocin
Decrease in the risk of C-section
Increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
Decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
Decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
Promotes the mother’s self-esteem
Decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
Research has also shown that parents who receive support:
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
References
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (1991)
DONA International (Why Use A Doula)