A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical and informational support to expecting moms. Doulas are not medical professionals, but rather they support individuals and families through the birth process by providing information and guidance to help them make informed decisions about their care, as well as providing emotional and physical support during labor and delivery. Doulas can also provide postpartum support, helping new parents adjust to their new roles and responsibilities.
Doulas provide endless support and care before labor, during labor and delivery, and postpartum. A doula
- Provides emotional support and encouragement to the laboring mom and her partner throughout labor and delivery.
- Helps create a comfortable and peaceful environment during labor and delivery.
- Offers physical support, such as massage, positioning and other comfort strategies to help manage pain and encourage relaxation.
- Gives informational support and guidance, helping expecting moms understand their options for care and make informed decisions.
- Advocates for the mother, ensuring that their preferences and needs are not just respected, but also met.
- Helps with communication between laboring mom and medical staff, relaying information and informing others of her needs and desires.
- Supports mom postpartum by helping her adjust to her new roles and responsibilities while also offering breastfeeding, baby soothing and other helpful suggestions.
- Helps create a memorable and positive birthing experience.
There have been numerous studies that show a doula’s presence at birth
- tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
- reduces negative feelings about the birthing experience
- reduces the need for Pitocin, forceps, vacuum extraction and cesareans (c-sections)
- reduces the use of epidurals and other pain medications