“Continuous support from a doula during labor provides physical and emotional benefits for mothers and health bonuses for their babies.  With less medical interventions, fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays, there may be financial savings as well.” ~Harvard Medical School

What can a birth doula do for you?

     Clinical studies show that the presence of a birth doula improves the birth experience in many ways!  On average, the use of a doula:

*reduces Cesarean sections by 51%,
*results in labors that are 1 hour and 38 minutes shorter,
*improves the Mother's perception of her birth experience and of her baby,
*results in healthier babies at 6 weeks old,
*reduces Mother's requests for pain medication by 38%,
*improves the bond between mother and newborn,
*reduces the use of labor-inducing drugs by 71%,
*shortens hospital stays of newborns, and
*reduces the use of forceps in delivery by 57%!

[Source:  The Doula Book by Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993).]

So, what is a birth doula?

   A birth doula is an educated and knowledgeable woman who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to families before, during, and just after childbirth.  A doula understands the complex needs of a laboring woman and is trained to help her have a safe and empowering birthing experience.

   During birth, doulas stay with the mother at all times providing comfort with pain relief techniques such as breathing, massage, positioning, movement, and encouragement.  The doula also helps the laboring couple make informed decisions about their medical care.

   The wisdom and emotional support of experienced women at birth is an ancient tradition and with the support of a skilled doula, women have fewer complications, shorter labors, and experience more emotional successes during labor. 

My partner is going to be supporting me during labor.  Do I still need a doula?

    Yes!  The presence of a doula benefits the mother, father and child!  The father's presence and support in childbirth is comforting and the love that he shares with the mother and child are priceless gifts that only he can provide.  However, he may become understandably distressed when he sees his partner in pain and he may react anxiously to the normal processes of birth. 

    The skills and expertise of a doula make him feel more relaxed.  In addition, a doula can provide guidance and suggestions about how he can best support his partner. 

   With the support of a doula, fathers tend to stay more involved with their partners (rather than pulling away during times of stress) and studies have shown that women are 41% more likely to report that her relationship with her partner improved immediately after birth if they were both supported by a doula.

Does a doula replace nurses or other medical staff?

    No.  Although the presence of a doula has been shown to result in better medical outcomes, doulas do not perform medical tasks.  They are there to comfort and support the mother and to enhance communication between the mother and medical professionals.

   The other difference between doulas and medical staff is that the doula stays by your side the entire time and is the only one whose sole responsibility is to make you more comfortable and help you labor as effectively as possible.

Does a doula make decisions for me?

   No.  A doula does not make decisions for you or intervene in your clinical care.  A doula helps laboring couples become an active part of the decision-making process about their own medical care by providing unbiased informational support and facilitating communication with your health care providers so that you can make educated decisions that are best for you.