What is a Doula?

A birth doula is a trained and experienced (non medical) professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after birth. A Doula supports you and your partner by providing the knowledge, comfort, and education necessary for fulfilling your birth experience.

 

The following techniques may be used but not limited to:

• massage

• breathing techniques and vocalization

• assist in finding your Rhythm, Relaxation & Ritual

• counterpressure

• visualization

• relaxation

• tools for comfort

• positioning & other fundamental materials needed for mothers

• education and advocacy

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Doula support, gives mom’s partner a greater sense of relaxation, and therefore an increased ability to care for the mother-to-be on an emotional level.

 

Benefits:

Clinical studies show the benefits of working with a birth doula include:

• 50% reduction in cesarean rates

• 25% reduction in the length of labor

• 60% reduction in the rate of epidural use

• 40% reduction in the need for forceps

• higher breastfeeding rates

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Other benefits include:

• higher levels of confidence in partners as coaches

• increased maternal sense of satisfaction in the birth

• overall sense of well-being following delivery

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*Studies have shown that when Doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.