What's A Doula?
What is a Doula?
A Doula as defined by DONA (Doulas of North America) International : "[one] who accompanies a woman in labor, mothers the mother, taking care of her emotional partners that can enhance their experiences of birth."
In my mind, a Doula is your support partner. You may be thinking "But I have an OB/Midwife for that reason!" Your OB or midwife is likely to be very busy with other
clients at the time of your birth. They will most likely not be able to stay with you your entire labor. That's my job. Whatever you need, I help you with.
Now you may be thinking "But that is my husband's job! He'll be there the entire time!" And he will! But keep in mind, this is probably all new to him, too, or at least
he might be a little excited that his little one is almost here! Under that sort of pressure, it is no wonder that daddies and other birth partners forget a lot of the
"stuff" taught at parenting classes. Depending on what you choose my role to be, I can act as your labor partner as your husband holds your hand, or I can give gentle guidance to your husband to remind him what to do! It is a very personal choice.
A Doula has also been known to run a few errands, walk a couple of dogs, drop a few kids off at the baby-sitters, and make sure the coffeemaker is, in fact, off. In short, a Doula does anything to make sure the laboring mother is comfortable, mind, body, and spirit!
How Can A Doula Help Me?
Recent studies have shown that labors attended by doulas result in
- 50% reduction in the cesarean rate
- 60% reduction in epidural requests
- 40% reduction in oxytocin use
- 30% reduction in analgesia use
- 40% reduction in forceps delivery
Information was obtained from Mothering The
Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter,
Easier, and Healthier Birth, Klaus, Kennell, and
Klaus
Questions To Ask A Doula
(As taken from DONA International)
1. What training and education do you have?
2. What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
3. When do you try to join women in labor - at our home or at the place of birth?
4. Will you meet with us to discuss our birth plans and the role that you will play in supporting us through childbirth?
5. May we call you with questions or concerns before or after the birth?
6. Do you work with one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet them?
7. What is your fee, what services does it include and what are your refund policies?
8. Will you provide references?
- 50% reduction in the cesarean rate
- 60% reduction in epidural requests
- 40% reduction in oxytocin use
- 30% reduction in analgesia use
- 40% reduction in forceps delivery
Information was obtained from Mothering The
Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter,
Easier, and Healthier Birth, Klaus, Kennell, and
Klaus
Questions To Ask A Doula
(As taken from DONA International)
1. What training and education do you have?
2. What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their
partners through labor?
3. When do you try to join women in labor - at our home or at the place of birth?
4. Will you meet with us to discuss our birth plans and the role that you will play in
supporting us through childbirth?
5. May we call you with questions or concerns before or after the birth?
6. Do you work with one or more backup doulas for times when you are not
available? May we meet them?
7. What is your fee, what services does it include and what are your refund policies?
8. Will you provide references?
