Birth and Postpartum Doula
DOULA FAQS
Answering Your Questions
WHAT IS A DOULA?
The word doula comes from the Greek language and can be translated as "a woman who serves". A doula is a trained professional who is to serve as the labor companion for a birthing mother. A doula can assist a mother at any stage of her pregnancy from prenatal to postpartum. A doula also provides physical, emotional, and educational support to the mother and her partner.
WHY SHOULD I HIRE A DOULA?
Simply, a doula is there to support your growing family. As your doula, I will work for you and your family through all stages of pregnancy. I am not an employee of any hospital, midwife, or other organization; I am employed by you. I am there to support you in any way and will do everything possible to provide you with you ideal birth experience.
HOW DOES A DOULA INTERACT WITH MY PARTNER AND FAMILY DURING BIRTH?
As your doula, I will not take the place of your partner or any member of your family. I am present to support you and your partner through this experience. I believe that your partner is the perfect intimate advocate and plays an important role in your birth experience. During prenatal visits I will discuss with you and your partner about your partner's comfort level with participating during childbirth. My goal is to work collaboratively with you and your partner to best support you throughout this process.
I AM PLANNING A HOSPITAL BIRTH, SHOULD I STILL HAVE A DOULA?
Absolutely! I am there to provide information on potential options and support whatever decisions you make regarding your birth. I will not impose my own beliefs on your decision and will ensure this process is judgment-free. I believe that every woman who is expecting should have a doula during her pregnancy and childbirth experience.
Statistics of births with doula support include:
- Rate of cesarean decreased by 50%*
- Length of labor decreased by 25%*
- The use of pharmaceutical oxytocin decreased by 40%*
- Requests for an epidural decreased by 60%*
- Risk for a low Apgar five minute score decreased by 38%**
- Risk of mothers being dissatisfied with the birth experience decreased by 31%**
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*Statistics obtained from: https://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/having-a-doula/
**Statistics obtained from: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/