Doula /doulē/ (Greek)
"woman servant”
Women have supported women in childbirth since the dawn of time, even though the concept of a “doula” may seem like a modern phenomenon.
A doula is a professional support person, trained in the needs of the mother during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. It is a task of mothering the mother.
A doula provides guidance, emotional support (including praise, encouragement, and reassurance), evidence-based education and information, and hands-on support during childbirth (including physical comfort measures, relaxation techniques, and other ways to enhance labor progress). They are also well versed in the emotional shifts that laboring mothers experience and how to adjust to the changing moods and movements as labor progresses. They also advocate for birthing couples during pregnancy and during birth. This advocacy seeks to ensure that mothers are able to have their voices heard, their birthing rights defended, and so that they can make the right decisions for their bodies/baby. Doulas DO NOT perform clinical tasks, give medical advice, or make decisions for you, but rather help you access the information you need to make informed decisions.
Core Competencies
Physiology of childbirth
Common interventions and evidence-based care
Comfort measures during childbirth
Emotional support
For those who are also postpartum doulas - supporting families in the initial adjustments during the postpartum season
There is a large amount of research from all around the world, that shows that the continuous presence of a caring, knowedgable doula can:
Shorten the length of labor
Lessen the use of Pitocin
Lessen the need for pain medication
Lessen the chance of a Cesarean section
Reduce the likelihood of an episiotomy
Lessen the chance of an instrumental vaginal delivery (vacuum, forceps)
Lessen anxiety, stress, and fear during labor
Help create greater satisfaction with labor and the overall birth experience
Assist in a heightened appreciation (for the mother) of her body, strength, and performance
Play a part in more positive and longer breastfeeding experiences
Help generate more positive feelings in general towards baby, self-esteem, towards one’s partner, and lessen the chance of postpartum depression
Be the nonclinical care that can improve clinical outcomes
A note to partners -
An effective doula enhances, rather than takes away from a partner’s participation. A doula cannot and does not take over this role because you know your birthing partner better and love them and baby more than anyone else does. A doula works with partners to guide and assist them on how to help, suggesting when to use particular positions, hydrotherapy, and other comfort techniques to cope more comfortably. A doula relieves partners when they need a meal, a nap, or just a quick break, in order for them to come back and best serve laboring mother. A doula helps partners to stay grounded if they are worried about the laboring mother’s well-being, helps them to understand what the laboring mother may be feeling, and interpret the signs of labor progress. Doulas support partners so they can participate more confidently because a partner’s confidence directly benefits the laboring mother.