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A Birth Doula Is

It is important for all women to feel fully supported during pregnancy and the birth of their baby. They should receive continuous support during labor, not only from those close to them, but also by specially trained caregivers. The couple as a whole, not just the mother, should feel at ease and able to fully enjoy the special time of bringing a new life into the world.

The acceptance of doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly throughout our country, which is recognizing their important contribution to the improved outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and babies. Doulas work in cooperation with midwives, physicians, nurses, the partners, and families of laboring women.

A doula helps complete the picture of the birth team, without taking the place of any other member, She offers only non-medical support for the woman and her partner as they take on this new and exciting role of parents.

The Doula’s Role...

Pregnancy...

Besides getting to know your doula, you can discuss what you would like from your birth experience. Your doula can answer questions and provide information that can help you make decisions concerning the labor and birth. During the prenatal visits you can talk about the role you would like her to play, and ways she can be helpful to you during the birth.

Labor and Birth...

The doula joins you and your partner when you feel the need for her comfort and support. As you labor, she remains close by until your baby is born. During the course of your labor, she will be there to offer encouragement, answer questions and suggest ways to manage pain or speed labor. She uses relaxation, visualization, massage, body positioning, breathing and attention focusing techniques to help you. She is also there to provide comfort and reassurance to your partner.

After the Birth...

Your doula helps you through the immediate postpartum procedures and early breastfeeding, usually staying for the first one or two hours. If there is a need for her to stay longer, or additional support is needed she will adjust to fit your needs.

A Birth Doula Helps ...

• recognizes childbirth as a key life experience that the mother will always remember.
• understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
• assist the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth.
• stay by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor.
• provide emotional support, physical comfort measures, and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make good decisions.
• perceive her role as one who is nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of her birth experience.
• facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner and care providers