What is a Doula?
From the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves".
Today, it is used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother/birthing person (and their partner if they have one) before, during and just after birth.
The term is also used to describe a trained and experienced professional who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
How Birth Doulas Make a Difference
Here is a list of ways doulas impact birth, cited from Evidence Based Birth.
- 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
A doula is not "like a Midwife"!
A doula does not and is not qualified to perform any medical procedures including, but not limited to cervical checks, blood pressure checks, fetal heart rate monitoring, delivering/catching the baby etc. A doula is NOT and does NOT replace a health care provider such as a midwife or OB.
BIRTH SUPPORT
Informational Support
Avoid Google - Ask Your Doula!
We can help keep you and your partner informed through each milestone of your pregnancy and postpartum journey. We 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.
Emotional Support
Your Emotions and Fears Deserve Attention!
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 support you emotionally.
Physical Support
Facilitating The Birth of Your Dreams!
Doulas offer a range of hands-on support and physical comfort measures including but not limited to:
- Massage/counter pressure
- Position changes and suggestions for optimal labor progression
- Creating a calm and peaceful environment
- Water therapy (bath, shower)
- Hydrating and feeding birther and partner
- Hands-on infant feeding support
Anything you need to feel physically comfortable during your birth, a doula can assist you with.
How Does a Birth Doula Support the Partner?
Doulas do NOT replace the important role of the birth partner but rather, provide them with a range of support such as:
- Prenatal education about the birthing process
- Helping them work through their own fears or apprehensions
- Facilitating conversations between the couple
- 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/birthing person in the postpartum period.
Postpartum Support
Informational Support
Avoid Google - Ask Your Doula!
We can help keep you and your partner informed through your recovery and each milestone of your newborns development. We can also help you find evidence-based information about different options and strategies as you navigate new parenthood. A doula is an unbiased resource. NEVER a source.
Emotional Support
Your Emotions and Fears Deserve Attention!
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 parenting and life after the baby arrives. Debriefing after birth is another way a postpartum doula can support you emotionally.
Physical Support
Easing Your Transition Home
Here are some examples of how a doula can ease your transition home and support your settling in period:
- Light housework
- Newborn care while parents rest
- Assistance with feeding
- Meal preparation and planning
- Baby-wearing assistance
- Sibling support
- Newborn care education
- Feeding/changing station stock up
Anything you need to help the transition home and into new parenthood easier, a postpartum doula can assist you with.
How Does a Postpartum Doula Support the Partner?
Doulas do NOT replace the important role of the birth partner but rather, provide them with a range of support such as:
- Prenatal education about the birthing process
- Helping them work through their own fears or apprehensions
- Facilitating conversations between the couple
- Teaching them newborn care techniques
- Ensuring they are fed and hydrated
- Education about how to support a mothers recovery in the postpartum period.
How Postpartum Doulas Make a Difference
The benefits of hiring a postpartum doula include the following:
- Decreased anxiety
- Increased confidence in parenting
- Boosted self esteem
- Improved postpartum mental health
- Improved bonding for partners and siblings
- Better breastfeeding outcomes
- Increased movement postpartum
- Quicker physical recovery
- Improved relaxation
Loss Support
Doulas can be an important source of support for birthing people experiencing pregnancy loss. This includes miscarriage, stillbirth, and abortion. Doulas can offer their physical presence and support the client in utilizing different comfort measures. They can also provide support in processing, referrals to additional support (as needed), and ideas for postpartum care and recovery.
Abortion Support
Doulas who offer abortion support may offer in-clinic or at-home support for folks experiencing abortion. They often support the client in planning for recovery or aftercare, ensuring the client can be as comfortable as possible. Abortion doulas support their clients in advocating for themselves and asking questions before, during, and after their abortion experience.