What’s a Doula?

The word “doula” comes from an ancient Greek word and is now used to refer to a woman who helps other women. It has been applied to childbirth to refer to “a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.” (Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus, in Mothering the Mother).

Every woman deserves another experienced woman to guide her through the rite of passage into motherhood.  As a doula, I have no personal philosophy on childbirth; I take on the mother’s philosophy.  I empower women to decide what birth choices are best for them and to give birth as they choose.  I provide information to assist in decision-making and give total support of the family’s decisions.  My role as a doula is to assist women in having the birth experience that they desire and deserve.

Studies Show…

Studies completed by Dr. Marshall Klaus and Dr. John Kennell, published in the book Mothering the Mother (also called The Doula Book) have proven that a doula can have a significant impact on labor and birth.  The study concluded the following statistics which lend to support for having a doula present:

  • 50% reduction in the cesarean rate
  • 25% shorter labor
  • 60% reduction in epidural requests
  • 40% reduction in oxytocin (pitocin) use
  • 30% reduction in analgesia use
  • 40% reduction in forceps delivery

What Does a Doula do for you?

An extra set of professional hands is so invaluable during the birth.  There are so many ways that a doula can make it an easier, smoother and more comfortable experience for everyone.  Doulas as there to support the *whole family* through the  birthing process.  Here are a few ways doulas can help:

  • Doulas help take the pressure off the birth partner (dad) to try to remember everything and be everything to the mom during the process
  • Provide massage to the low back, hips, legs, feet, and neck during the labor
  • Stay with mom continuously, allowing the partner to take a food/sleep/bathroom break without ever leaving the mom alone
  • Is the only one present who able to care for mom’s emotional health at all times
  • Remind mom of good positions to use
  • Reminds mom to eat/drink and care for herself during the labor
  • Can drive you to the hospital and park the car while you check in
  • Helps get things ready at home before leaving for the hospital
  • Can help keep the labor progressing well with tricks/ideas to stimulate the labor
  • Helps keep mom relaxed through the experience by reminding her of her birthing tools she has practiced/learned in childbirth class
  • Takes pictures of the birth if the family desires
  • Keeps a record of what happens during the birth (this is so wonderful to have later, when you have lost all grasp on “time” in laborland).