What is a doula?
The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “female helper or maidservant” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth.
A doula is a trained birth coach, a champion of moms, a compassionate advisor that provides comfort, encouragement, and support during one of life’s most significant moments. An intuitive person who empowers, supports, and instills self-belief in the women they care for. They are masters at listening and will advise, encourage, and counsel all whilst reminding women of the power they hold. They stand by your side and keep you calm. They ease fears away, they help you breathe and focus, and make the pain less gray. They’re the advocates for you, in the labor and delivery room, they make sure your voice is heard, and your birth plan blooms.
The doula’s role and agenda are tied solely to the birthing person’s agenda—not to a hospital administrator, nurse, midwife, or doctor.
A doula supports through:
-
Attention to physical comfort through techniques such as touch and massage and assistance with breathing
-
Emotional reassurance, comfort and encouragement
-
Information about what’s happening during labor and the postpartum period, including explanations of procedures
-
Help with facilitating communication between you and the hospital staff
-
Guidance and support for loved ones
-
Assistance with breast-feeding
Clinical studies have shown working with a doula provides:
-
50% reduction in cesarean rates
-
25% reduction in the length of labor
-
60% reduction in the rate of epidural use
-
40% reduction in the need for forceps
-
Higher breastfeeding rates
-
Reduce the likelihood of a low 5-minute APGAR score by 38%.