A Doula is a woman who attends to expectant families before, during, and just after childbirth. She provides emotional, physical and educational support.
What does a doula do?
Doulas provide emotional support, physical comfort and evidence-based information during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. A doula can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for comfort. Doulas are independent and self-employed. Your doula works for you, not your caregiver or hospital.
BENEFITS OF HAVING A DOULA!!! Studies show... Immediate Benefits:
Women have more positive birth experiences
Decreased Cesarean by 50%
Decreased length of labor by 25%
Decreased requests for an epidural by 60%
Decreased use of Oxytocin by 40%
Decreased use of narcotics by 30%
Decreased use of Forceps by 30%
Long-term Benefits:
Improved breastfeeding
Increased time spent with baby
Decreased postpartum depression
If I have a doula, what will the partner's role be? Doulas do NOT replace the partner! Doulas compliment and enhance their experience. The partner and doula work together. Doulas can encourage partners to use comfort techniques and step in when they need a break.