Birth Support Network
What is a Doula?
The word “doula” is derived from an ancient Greek word
meaning “woman’s servant” or handmaiden.
The word has come to refer to a non-medical assistant who is experienced in childbirth
and postpartum issues.
A
birth doula
is a person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical,
emotional and informational support to the laboring mother before, during and just
after childbirth. Doulas assist
women giving birth in hospitals, birth centers and at home. Women supported by a doula during labor
have been showWomen supported by a doula
during labor have been shown to have:
50% reduction of cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery
The
postpartum doula provides in-home physical, emotional
and informational support to the mother through her postpartum period and helps
nurture the family. The postpartum
doula’s primary goal is to nourish the family and to foster confidence and independence
as the parents and family members grow into their new roles.
Women supported by a postpartum doula have been shown to have:
Increased chance of successful breastfeeding
Reduced chance of infant dehydration and hospitalization
with health complications due to informed care
Less chance of maternal postpartum depression and shorter
duration and easier for mother to cope with it if it occurs
Less maternal exhaustion, frustration, and apprehension
during early weeks
Reduction in unnecessary calls to pediatricians
Dad back to work sooner with less anxiety
Greater understanding of newborn emotional and physical
needs and behavior
More independent control of baby’s care in the face
of overbearing relatives and advice givers due to education and early positive experience.
Earlier bonding due to more confidence
Paying for a doula gives relatives a way to give constructive
help
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