Birth Doula

What is a doula and do I really need one?

In nearly every culture throughout history, women have been surrounded and cared for by other women during and immediately after childbirth. Artistic representations of birth throughout the world usually include at least two other women surrounding and supporting the birthing woman. One of these is the midwife, who is responsible for the safe passage of the mother and baby; the other women are behind or beside the mother, holding her and comforting her. The modern birth doula is a manifestation of the woman beside the mother.

The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek word meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, informational, and nurturing support to a mother before, during, and immediately after birth; or who provide emotional and practical support during the ante or postpartum periods.

Birth Doulas assist women and families during pregnancy and birth, and specialize in non-medical skills. Doulas do not perform clinical tasks such as vaginal exams, fetal heart monitoring, or diagnosing medical conditions. The doula's goal is to help the woman have a safe, satisfying childbirth as she defines it. Doulas do not make decisions or project their own goals and values onto the laboring mother.
    A birth doula:

•  recognizes birth as a key experience a mother will remember for the rest of her life

• understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a laboring mother

• assists mothers in preparing for and carrying out her birth plans

• stays with the mother throughout the labor

• provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, and an objective, informational viewpoint as she makes informed decisions regarding her labor and delivery

• facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and her clinical care providers

• perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience

• allows the mother's partner to participate at his or her comfort level

A doula can be an invaluable member of your birth team and does not replace your partner or family members but rather supports others in their roles. 

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Having a doula present leads to…

• 25% decrease in the risk of Cesarean; the largest effect was seen with a doula (39% decrease)*.

• 8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth; the largest effect was seen with a doula (15% increase)*.

• 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief; the type of person providing continuous support did not make a difference.

• Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference.

• 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference.

• 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience; mothers’ risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula or someone in their social network (family or friend), but not hospital staff.

Hodnett et al. (2017) “Continuous support for women during childbirth.” Cochrane database of systematic reviews: CD003766

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Investment:

$1275

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What's included?

• A complimentary meet and greet is available to help you decide if I'm the right doula for you. 

• I provide 1-2 prenatal visits to write and review your birth plan and preferences. I will review the signs of labor onset and stages and teach you labor prep exercises to help you and your baby prepare for birth. 

• Unlimited text and phone support during pregnancy and in the weeks following delivery. 

• Professional resources for services such as chiropractic care, pelvic floor therapists, lactation counselors and more.  

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