Labor Support / Doulas

What is a Doula?

Benefits

Labor Support Frequently Asked Questions

Links to Online Resources

 Mothering the Mother - what is a Doula?

Women who choose to birth their babies in a hospital will hire doulas to serve as birth assistant.  Doulas are known as women who “mother the mothers”.  They provide comfort measures, reassurance, and knowledge of the birth process.  They not only bring knowledge and caring into the labor room, but they also serve as guardians of the laboring woman’s wishes.  There are many advantages to hiring a doula:

• Doulas become familiar with clients before birth and are a reassuring   presence in the hospital setting
• The doula is available to answer preliminary questions or concerns in the days and months preceding labor
• They may provide labor assistance in the client’s home before transferring to the hospital, allowing for a continuity of support for the laboring mom
• Doulas help clients develop birth plans based on each woman’s individual preferences
• The doula helps the laboring mother and her team advocate and collaborate with the hospital staff - allowing the mother to have an active and empowering experience
• They provide hands-on labor support throughout the labor which may begin at home
  
• They help laboring couples to navigate the hospital system with information and tools so that they will have the optimal birth experience
  
• Doulas provide breastfeeding support in the hospital and postpartum
• Studies show that the support of a doula significantly reduces the rates of intervention, length of labor, cesarean sections, and postpartum depression.

Doulas are certified birth professionals who undergo training in childbirth, breastfeeding and labor support measures.  Doula certification is based on hours of training, study, birth attendance, references, and personal essays.  While not trained as medical professionals, doulas have comprehensive training in the physical process of childbirth and the non-medical ways to support a laboring mother.  No matter the outcome of the birth, the doula is a constant presence, providing reassurance and nurturing care.

Read the evidence:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0915/p1109.html 
http://www.turner-white.com/pdf/hp_sep01_doulas.pdf
http://womantowomandoulas.googlepages.com/doulastudies
http://www.blessedexpectations.com/birthdoula/doulastudies.html

Check out the webpages of local chapters to find a doula near you.