what is a doula?Doula comes from a Greek word meaning "a woman who serves." Throughout time and across cultures, women in labor have been surrounded and supported by other women during childbirth. The modern birth doula recognizes that there are non-medical needs of birthing people during childbirth and provides individual and continuous care and support.
Doulas offer physical and emotional support to birthing people in labor, and often work with a birth partner, such as the baby's father, if present. As a birth doula trained through DONA, I have received training in evidence-based practices and can be a bridge of communication between parents and their medical providers. |
why a doula?
A doula's role encompasses much more than labor support. I work with parents to develop a vision for the birth and make crucial decisions about preferred care. During labor, doulas can provide physical and emotional support for the birthing people, as well as act as a communication bridge between the laboring person and the care team. Doulas also work with partners, guiding them in effective ways to support their loved ones in labor and decreasing anxiety and stress so they can enjoy the experience.
Birthing people supported by doulas are:
- more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth
- less likely to have a cesarean section
- less likely to use synthetic oxytocin
- less likely to use medications for pain relief
- less likely to rate their childbirth experience negatively
Sources: DONA Birth Doula Position Paper and Cochrane Review, 2017.
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