A birth doula is a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother and her family before, during, and just after childbirth.  A doula’s duties include preparing the family for birth, helping the laboring woman with encouragement, supplying comfort measures and relaxation techniques; providing an objective viewpoint, helping the mother and her partner interact successfully with medical providers, and supporting the mother after childbirth (such as helping to initiate breastfeeding).  Doulas believe that pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding are normal, natural and healthy processes.  Doulas understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a laboring woman and her partner.  Doulas do not provide medical advice or perform medical procedures of any kind.  A doula will not make medical decisions for the mother or partner, but will provide them with the necessary and accurate information to make an informed decision. 

The word "doula" comes from the Greek word for the most important female slave or servant in an ancient Greek household - the woman who helped the lady of the house through her childbearing.  The word has come to refer to "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth."

Research (Source: The Doula Book, Klaus, Kennell & Klaus) shows that women who are well supported by a doula have better births with fewer medical interventions than those who labor without a doula.  Fathers and infants benefit from doula support just as much as moms do.  The following statistical information is the result of years of study:

Doula effects on the birth in general:

• 50% reduction in the cesarean rate
• 25% decrease in length of labor
• 60% reduction in epidural requests
• 40% reduction in oxytocin use
• 30% reduction in analgesia use
• 40%reduction in forceps delivery

Doula effects on the mother:

• Greater satisfaction with her child’s birth
• Reduced fear and stress; mothers feel more secure and more in control with a doula present
• Reduced incidence of postpartum depression

Doula benefits for the father:

• Alleviates dad’s anxiety by answering questions, such as “Is this normal?” and “Will everything be okay?”
• Strengthens his confidence levels and diminishes stress
• Allows the father to watch the baby’s birth while the mother is still fully supported
• Provides emotional relief because he can rely on the doula for help during labor (he is not alone in his supportive role)

Doula effects on the infant:

• Shorter hospital stays and fewer admissions to special care nurseries
• Infant/mother togetherness increased (infants spend less time in the hospital nursery)
• Increased success of breastfeeding through the first year of life
• Increased father involvement with care of the baby in the first three months of life

More information on  Wikipedia

Copyright © 2009 Allison Grassi.  All rights reserved.