A doula provides the labouring mother and her partner with continuous physical, emotional and informational support before, during and after labour.
A doula:
• Provides continuous, uninterrupted support through labour and birth
• Offers information, massage, suggestions for position changes, relaxation techniques,and reminders to stay hydrated, etc.
• Does not replace the partner. Instead she helps support the partner in ways that help enhance the bond between the couple.
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labour.
• Assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth.
• Stays by the side of the woman throughout the entire labour and birth
• Provides an objective viewpoint and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions.
• Facilitates communication between the labouring woman, her partner and clinical care providers
• Provides photographs of the birth and the moments following
• Provides a written birth story
• Assists with establishing breastfeeding if required
Benefits of Doula Care:
Having the support of a doula
•can lead to shorter labours with fewer complications
•reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
•reduces the need for pitocin (a labour-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
•reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals
Women who have had doula support
•feel more secure and cared for
•are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
•have greater success with breastfeeding
•have greater self-confidence
•have less postpartum depression
•have lower incidence of abuse
Source: DONA International
