“Birth support is an ancient privilege experienced by women through the ages.” What is a Doula?

“Doula” is a Greek word referring to an experienced woman who helps other women. The word has now come to mean a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.”

-Klaus, Kennel & Klaus

The Role of a doula…

• To recognize birth as a key life experience, understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a birthing woman…
• To assist the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out her vision for the birth…
• To stay by the side of the birthing woman throughout the process with no change in shift..
• To provide emotional support, practical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint and information to aid decision making…
• To facilitate communication between the birthing woman, her partner and clinical care providers…
• To complement the care provided by the woman’s partner and birth attendants.

Benefits of having a Doula

When the needs of a birthing woman are met, clinical outcomes are improved for mother and baby. Combined results of six randomized controlled trials on birthing support.

50% decrease in Length of Birth
40% decrease in Oxytocin use
60% decrease in Epidurals
30% decrease in Narcotic use
30% decrease in Forceps use