What is a Doula?

Doula comes from the Greek word meaning "woman who serves." A doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support through the entire duration of childbirth, and postpartum. A doula mothers the mother while supporting the birth partner. Certified doulas have been through training that focuses on the emotional needs of the women along with the physical. The doula will have hands on practice such as relaxation technics, breathing, positioning and movements to help with pain management.
Scientific studies have consistently shown that having a doula attend births positively impacts the medical outcome of the birth for both the mother and baby.
IF A DOULA ATTENDS YOUR BIRTH, YOU ARE:
Scientific studies have consistently shown that having a doula attend births positively impacts the medical outcome of the birth for both the mother and baby.
IF A DOULA ATTENDS YOUR BIRTH, YOU ARE:
- more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth,
- more likely to have a shorter labor,
- less likely to use pain medication during the birth,
- less likely to have a cesarean section or instrumental vaginal birth,
- less likely that your baby will have a low five-minute Apgar score, and
- less likely to report dissatisfaction with your birth experience.
- 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin*
- 28% decrease in the risk of C-section*
- 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth*
- 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
- 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
- 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience*