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A doula is someone who is experienced in childbirth and someone who provides continuous physical,
emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth. |
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A Trained Doula -
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Recognizes childbirth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
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Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of women in labor
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Assists women in preparing for and carrying out her plans for the birth
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Stays with the woman throughout her labor
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Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, and an objective viewpoint, and helps
the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions
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Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical care providers
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Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
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Allows the woman's partner to participate at their own comfort level
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Benefits of Having a Doula -
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60% Reduction in epidural anesthesia requests
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50% Reduction in cesarean section rates
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40% Reduction in pitocin use
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40% Reduction in forceps and other assisted deliveries
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30% Reduction in analgesia use
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25% Shorter Labors
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Fewer cases of postpartum mood disorders
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Increased successful breastfeeding
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Better mother-infant interaction
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Greater overall satisfaction with the birth experience
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Increased sense of self-confidence and feeling of empowerment for mother
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Increased confidence and particpation by the partner
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MaryBeth Nance, CD (DONA), CLD (CAPPA)
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