Today, the term “Doula” is used to refer to a trained experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother (and her partner) before, during and after birth.
Avoid Google – Ask Your Doula!
A Doula offers INFORMATIONAL support by keeping you and your partner informed through each milestone of your pregnancy and postpartum journey. They can also help you find evidence-based information about different options in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. A Doula is an unbiased resource. NEVER a source!
Your Emotions and Fears Are Valid!
A Doula is a continuous comforting presence offering reassurance and encouragement, showing a caring and empathetic attitude, and helping you and your partner work through fears and self-doubt about pregnancy and birth. Debriefing after birth is another way a Doula can provide EMOTIONAL support.
Facilitating The Birth of Your Dreams!
Massage/counter pressure
Position changes and suggestions for optimal labor progression
Create a calming environment
Water therapy (bath, shower)
Hydrating and feeding birther
Hands-on infant feeding support
Doulas provide PHYSICAL support by anticipating and tending to your physical needs during birth.
Doula Support For Partners.
Prenatal Education about the birthing process
Helping them work through their own fears or apprehensions Facilitating conversations with the two of you
Teaching them Pain management techniques
Ensuring they are fed and hydrated
Reassurance and Comfort during the birthing process Education about how to support a mother in the postpartum period.
Doulas do NOT replace partners! A Doulas job is to educate, emotionally and physically support partners to empower them to support mothers through the birthing process.
Benefits of a Doula
25% decrease in the risk of Cesarean
8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average
38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score
31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
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