What is a Doula?

The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

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

Why Use a Doula?

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:

Tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications

Reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience

Reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans

Reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals

Research shows parents who receive support can:

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

-from Dona.org

For more information, including some of the research on doulas and improved birth outcomes, see my “Resources” page.