Labor
Support / Doulas
What is a Doula?
Benefits
Labor Support Frequently
Asked Questions
Links to Online Resources
| 1.
Will the Doula replace the father during
labor?
2. Why Use a Doula?
3. Must I have a non-medicated
birth with a birth doula?
4.
How does a doula work with
hospital staff?
5. How are doulas trained?
6. What if I would like the support
of a doula, but am unable to afford it?
7. Do doulas offer support
after the baby is born?
8. What questions should I ask
a doula before hiring her?
9. Where do I find a doula?
1. Will the Doula replace the father during labor?
No, the role of the doula is not to replace the father,
but to enhance his support and offer support to him as well. When
looking for a doula, it is suggested you ask about her philosophy
regarding the father during labor and share with her your vision
of the father's role. Studies have shown that fathers usually participate
more actively during labor in the presence of a Doula than without
one.
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2. Why Use a Doula?
Women benefit from physical, emotional and mental support before, during and
after labor. Studies have shown that having a doula present during labor and
birth result in a 50% reduction in cesarean rate, a 60% reduction in epidural
requests and 25% shorter length of labor. Fathers can provide much needed support
during labor, but they are not specifically trained to provide labor support.
Obstetrical nurses are experienced in dealing with a laboring woman's emotional
and physical needs, but they are sometimes handling up to six couples at a
time. They also have shift changes and heavy paperwork which prevent them from
providing uninterrupted support to the laboring woman. Midwives are able to
offer more labor support, but they too have clinical duties to which they must
attend.
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3. Must I have a non-medicated birth with a birth doula?
A birth doula is trained to provide support for any type of birth: medicated
or unmedicated, vaginal or c-section; and in any setting: in a hospital along
side your regular doctor or midwife, in a birth center, or at home. A birth
doula can help the couple make choices if the birth deviates from the birth
plan. A birth doula should never impose her own beliefs. The birth doula's
charter is to support the birthing mother in experiencing a safe and satisfying
birth so she retains a sense of accomplishment and fullfillment from her birth
experience.
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4. How does a doula work with hospital staff?
Primary care providers, such as obstetricians, midwives and nurses are responsible
for the medical health needs of the mother and baby. A doula provides for the
non-medical needs of the mother, perhaps by massaging the low back or using
aromatherapy to encourage relaxation. She is not there to make medical decisions
or perform medical procedures, but can act as a liaison between the mother
and the medical staff. This type of support allows the mother to concentrate
on the work of labor.
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5. How are doulas trained?
A certified birth doula has received training in the anatomy and physiology
of labor and has learned techniques for providing physical and emotional support
to laboring women. Certification usually requires observation of childbirth
classes, reading, seminar training, observation of births, positive evaluations
from doctors, midwives, nurses and/or clients. Doulas in training will often
assist at a birth free of charge.
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6. What if I would like the support of a doula, but am unable to afford it?
Many doulas will offer a sliding fee scale and occasionally will offer free
services to those in need. Even if you think you cannot afford a doula, contact
several doulas and discuss payment options with them.
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7. Do doulas offer support after the baby is born?
A birth doula stays with the laboring mother during the entire labor and for
some time afterwards. She may assist with breastfeeding, showering, and walking
around. She may offer help with the newborn, discuss the birth experience and
offer advice on postpartum and baby care. Doulas often schedule a postpartum
home visit several days after the birth. Discuss postpartum care with your
birth doula during your interview. If you feel you would like even more assistance
during the postpartum period, you may consider hiring a postpartum doula. They
provide housekeeping assistance and care for the mother and baby in the weeks
following birth. Postpartum is a very important time for mother and baby. Use
these few weeks to rest and bond with your baby and accept plenty of help from
friends, family or a postpartum doula.
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8. What questions should I ask a doula before hiring her?
Before hiring a doula, you may want to meet and interview several doulas to
find the one that can best meet your needs. Following are some questions you
may want to ask. Trust your gut feelings and invite the doula you feel most
comfortable with to join you in the birth of your child.
- Is she certified?
- Does she provide prenatal and/or postpartum visits?
- What can you expect during these visits, if offered? How many
births has she attended?
- Can she provide references?
- What form of training has she had?
- What types of births has she witnessed (Cesarean, epidural,
intervention free, VBAC, teen birth, etc.)? Her fee? And does
she have a sliding scale or other arrangements available? Has
she ever worked with your care provider or at your place of birth?
- Does she has back-up arrangements available?
- What will her role be in early labor?
- Will she provide labor support at your home prior to going
to the place of birth? Is she familiar with many methods of childbirth?
- How does she define her role during labor and birth?
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9. Where do I find a doula?
Birth Matters website and meetings, your hospital or birth
center, your childbirth educator, your obstetrician or midwife,
lactation consultants, and anyone who has recently had a baby or
works with pregnant women. Below are some organizations that can
also assist you in locating a doula in your area. Doulas of North
America (DONA) 1-206-324-5440 will put you in contact with members
in your area.
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DONA
Email: AskDONA@aol.com
Mailing Adddress: 1100-23rd Ave. East , Seattle,
WA 98112
ALACE
Email: ALACEHQ@aol.com
Mailing Address: PO Box 382724, Cambridge, MA
02074
Phone: (617)441-2500
FAX: (617)441-3167
National Association of Childbirth Assistants (NACA)
Mailing Address: 219 Meridian Ave., San Jose,
CA 95167
Phone: (408)225-9167
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