What is a doula?
"Doula" (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning caregiver. It now refers to a woman who is experienced in offering emotional and practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth. A doula enables a woman to have the most satisfying and empowering time that she can during pregnancy, birth and the early days as a new mother. This type of support also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience.
I am a non-medical support person to a mother during her pregnancy, through labour and delivery, and during the early postnatal period. I understand, respect and trust the birth process.
Why use a Doula?
A doula:
· Stays at the labouring mother’s side for the entire labour
· Helps mother and partner stick to their birth plan
· Understands and trusts the birth process
· Provides support
· Gives mother information to be able to help with decision-making
· Facilitates communication between parents and caregivers.
Research has shown that having a doula 'by your side' during the birth process can mean -
50% reduction of caesarean
25% shorter labour
60% reduction in epidural request
30% reduction in analgesia used
40% reduction in forceps delivery
· Increase in success with breastfeeding
· Reduction in postnatal depression
· Better mother-infant interaction
· Flexibility in labour and birthing option
The benefits of a doula to the partner:
· It allows the partner to watch the baby being born while the mother is being supported and taken care of
· It gives the partner self-confidence
· It allows the partner to be with the baby during the first set of medical procedures while the mother is being attended to and taken care of
· Helps with the partner’s anxiety
