Why a Doula?

The word “doula” comes from an ancient Greek word meaning “woman caregiver.” It is used to refer to a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and after childbirth.

A doula can help you have a shorter, easier , and healthier birth. Studies have shown that having a doula may decrease

• Epidural use by 60%
• Cesarean birth by 50%
• Pitocin use by 40%
• Narcotics use by 30%
• Forceps use by 30%
• Length of labor by 25%

By her presence, manner, and comforting touch the doula:

• Creates calmness and the essence of relaxation.
• Lessens the fear of the unknown using her intuitive send of when to "mother" the mother.
• Helps the mother let go completely and to allow her own system to adapt and respond to the power of the birthing experience.
• Encourages the mother create a kind of freedom to be one’s true self producing feelings of empowerment strong enough to handle anything.
• Calmly and skillfully helps the mother cope with the process of labor, and be a reassuring, constant presences for both the mother and the father.
• Will guide you in how to stay relaxed and comfortable and how to have the ability and confidence to be your own advocate.
• Can access a laboring woman and the degree of support needed.
• Is comfortable with giving of herself and is not afraid to love.
• Is highly responsible and aware of the needs of the mother and father.
• Is flexible and has no need to control.
• Will continue to reassure as the labor progresses and becomes more intense, explaining each stage as it occurs
• Remains by the mother’s side along with the father/partner through the delivery.
  

A doula is not a doctor, a nurse, or a midwife, she is not trained to make any medical decisions, and does not do vaginal checks.

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