DOULA
δούλη | dou·la | ˈdü-lə
WHAT IS A BIRTH DOULA?
The word "doula" is an ancient Greek word meaning "servant." It's now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and educational support to the mother before, during and just after birth. Doulas can support you at home, in a birth- center or a hospital. That said, doulas do not provide medical support. That work is still for your Midwife or OBGYN
THERE FROM START TO BIRTH
While OBGYN's, nurses and midwives may need to go in and out of your birth space to check on other patients or prepare materials for your next stage of labor, your doula's role is to remain by your side for as long as you want them to be.
WHAT DOES A BIRTH DOULA DO?
KNOWS ALL THE RIGHT SPOTS
Doulas are trained to know the best positions for birthing people at different point in labor, how and when to apply pressure to relieve pain, and other comfort measures, too.
Your doula will squeeze your hips, press your lower back, hold your hand, breathe with you, moan with you, tell you that you're amazing, strong and capable of birthing your baby into the world- while standing up, on your hands and knees, lying on your side - what ever you need and whenever you need it.
CREATES SPACE FOR YOUR VOICE
Your doula will know what you did and did not want as a part of your birth space and plan, so if something begins to stray, and you're in the middle of laboring, they can bring your birth teams attention back to you and make room for your voice and choices to be heard.
THE MAGIC BAG OF THINGS
Your doula likely will have a bag to bring to your birth like you will, too. Inside it: Honey sticks, oils, massage tools, hair clips and more. You may be surprised by just how magical it feels when your doula brings you a cool washcloth for your head or neck, or water with a straw!
ADDS TO YOUR EDUCATION
Should you still take a childbirth class if you have a doula? Yes! Your doula can help you understand things your class coved briefly and in a way that's personalized to your experience.
EQUIPS PARTNER TO SUPPORT YOU
A doulas role is not to replace an involved parter. Doulas support partners as they process their own fears, hopes, and questions about labor and birth, offer partners helpful advice on practical ways to support the birthing parent, and are an extra set of hands to multiply that support.
HOW CAN A BIRTH DOULA HELP?
decrease in the use
of Pitocin
decrease in risk of
newborn admitted
to NICU
31%
28%
12%
9%
34%
14%
decrease in the risk
of cesarean
increase in likelihood
of spontaneous
vaginal birth
decrease in use of
any medications for
pain relief
decrease in risk of
being dissatisfied
with the birth
experience