A doula is a caregiver, “ mother to the mother,” and birth partner who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to an expectant mother and her partner.
Doulas provide:
- Resources (classes, therapies, referrals)
- Education on stages of labor
- Assistance with pain coping during labor
- Non-medical support for laboring person’s needs
- Facts on how to make informed decisions
- Supports the partner with suggestions, including giving them a bathroom break
- Comfort measures ( birth positions, breathing techniques, vocal encouragement, massage, ambiance, nourishment)
- Hold space for the bonding process between the mom & baby
The use of a doula during birthing have been known to:
- Lower rate of C-sections
- Decrease use of drugs, intervention
- Decrease maternal anxiety and depression
- Increase possibility of having a spontaneous vaginal birth
- Decrease length of labour
- Increase satisfaction with interpersonal relations and partners
