WHAT IS A DOULA? 

A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth. 

WHY HIRE A DOULA?

At the hospital, laboring families aren't truly supported during childbirth unless they have a doula present. Care providers are quite busy and frequently enter/exit your room leaving you unattended while they are busy with other patients. Doulas stay with you and provide help when you need it most! In labor, doulas visit your home and help you figure out when to go to the hospital. During pregnancy, doulas help you choose a care provider and/or hospital based on your specific needs, and we help you define your ideal labor and birth plan.

Studies indicate that when a Doula is present, labours tend to be shorter with less need for technical aid, and there is greater maternal satisfaction. Doulas help foster a more relaxed postpartum environment as well, and enhance early mother-infant relationships, breastfeeding and family adjustments.

WHAT ARE THE PROVEN BENEFITS OF A DOULA?

A recent review of many studies from around the world have concluded that a doula’s support is more effective than hospital staff, friends or family. You can read the review here.

Studies (and reviews of the studies) consistently demonstrate very impressive benefits for the mother, father and baby, including:
  • 50% fewer caesarean sections
  • Reduction in the use of forceps vacuum by 40%
  • 60% fewer requests for epidurals
  • 40% reduction in the use of synthetic oxytocin for inductions or augmentations
  • 30% reduction in use of pain medication
  • 25% reduction in labour length
  • Increased rates of breastfeeding at 6 weeks post-partum (51% vs 29%)
  • Higher self-esteem (74% vs 59%), less anxiety (28% vs 40%) and less depression (10% vs 23%) at 6 weeks post-partum
These are not misprints! The benefits are significant. Most of the women in the studies were accompanied by male partners, however study results show that women who had the support of a male partner and a doula fared best, for example, the caesarean rate of women supported by both a male partner and a doula was significantly lower (15.4%) than the caesarean rate for women supported only by their partners (24.4%). The studies also clearly show the positive benefits of doula support occur regardless of a woman’s economic status or whether or not they were privately insured. Its simply about having the right support with you at birth.

Source: "Doula - What Is a Doula and Why So Many Women Want One?" by Kelly Winder

WHAT DO DOULAS DO?

Doulas “mother the mother.” While performing her role, a doula:

  • Provides emotional support
  • Uses comfort measures: breathing, relaxation, movement, positioning
  • Gives information
  • Continuously reassures and comforts the mother (the key word is continuous—a doula never leaves the mother’s side)
  • Helps a mother become informed about various birth choices
  • Advocates for the mother and helps facilitate communication between the mother and care provider
  • Looks after your partner as well (gives them bathroom breaks!), but their primary responsibility is to the mother. 

WHAT DOULAS DO NOT DO:
  • Doulas are NOT medical professionals
  • They do not perform clinical tasks such as vaginal exams or fetal heart monitoring
  • They do not give medical advice or diagnose conditions
  • They do not judge you for decisions that you make
  • They do not let their personal values or biases get in the way of caring for you (for example, they should not pressure you into making any decisions just because that’s what they prefer)
  • They do not take over the role of your husband or partner
  • They do not deliver the baby
  • They do not change shifts