A doula is a person that gives emotional, physical, and informational support to a mother and her partner in labor and birth. The doula has experience and is also trained in childbirth. She does not perform any medical procedures such as vaginal checks, and fetal heart monitoring. The doula does offer help on things like position and movement changes, breathing techniques, and relaxation methods. They are there during the whole labor and birth to provide on-going emotional encouragement and support for the mother and her partner.
The doula's main goal is to help the mother and her partner achieve the birth they are hoping for. They do not make decisions for their clients. They may help the client make an informed decision by discussing with her of all the risks, benefits, and alternatives about an option. A doula then will let the mother and her partner make their own decision and then support them in whatever they choose. They do not project their values on the mother.
A doula provides:
Suggestions on making your pregnancy more comfortable for you
Time for you and your partner to enjoy the journey of becoming a parent
Explanations of medical procedures
Assistance in making a birth plan
On going labor support
Pain relief options in non-pharmacological ways
Help on getting started with breastfeeding your newborn
Having a doula can give you:
50% reduction in cesarean rates
25% shorter labor
60% in epidural requests
40% reduction in the use of pitocin
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery
(according to Mothering the Mother, How A Doula Can Help You Have A Shorter, Easier And
Healthier Birth, by Kennel, Klaus, and Kennel)
