What is a Doula?
Doulas support women and their families in achieving the birth they desire. Doulas can be a companion, provide information about birth options, provide comfort throughout labor and postpartum. Doulas work with your health care team to have a more positive birth outcome. Your doula is just for you.
What skills does a doula have?
- A doula is certified and experienced as a birth professional to provide services during your labor.
- Can meet at home or the hospital when labor begins, staying with the woman throughout labor.
- Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
- Assists in providing current, accurate information about birth options and planning for their birth experience.
- Helps to advise and advocate for the couple during birth within their scope of practice.
- Assists in postpartum needs such as initial breastfeeding, newborn care, comfort and fatigue issues.
- Recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life.
- Respects each mother's individuality and unique circumstances.
- Knows community resources to refer as needed.
Doula's Have Great Statistics!!
Decrease epidural use by 60%
Decrease Cesarean birth by 50%
Decrease pitocin use by 40%
Decrease narcotics use by 30%
Decrease length of labor by 25%
Decrease forceps use by 30%
Decrease postpartum depression by 40%
Doula's also increase initiation of breastfeeding with higher success rates for moms to breastfeed longer periods.
