The word “Doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “Woman’s Servant”. A doula develops a relationship with the woman during pregnancy and helps her to determine her ideal birth and to develop a birth plan. During labour the doula provides emotional and physical support, as well as helping to maintain the birthing environment that the woman has chosen. The aim of the doula is to aid the woman to achieve the best birth experience for her; at home, birthing centre, or hospital. It is important that she support whatever preferences the woman has chosen without imposing her own ideas about birth. A doula does not replace the midwife or doctor and does not give clinical or medical advice.
She is there to:
The World Health Organisation recognises that a professionally trained, experienced assistant providing continuous care which meets the woman’s needs in labour can greatly improve maternal and infant outcomes.
Studies* have shown that the presence of an experienced doula during labour reduces :
*Marshall H. Klaus, MD, John H.Kennell, MD and Phyllis H. Klaus, CSW, MFT : “The Doula Book: How a Trained Labour Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth”
She is there to:
- Support the birthing mother and her partner, whatever their birth choices.
- Provide continuity of care during hospital shift changes.
- Encourage confidence in the birthing process.
- Assist with natural pain management techniques.
- Provide unbiased information and guidance to help parents make decisions that work best for them.
- Facilitate communication between the labouring woman, her partner, and the medical care provider.
The World Health Organisation recognises that a professionally trained, experienced assistant providing continuous care which meets the woman’s needs in labour can greatly improve maternal and infant outcomes.
Studies* have shown that the presence of an experienced doula during labour reduces :
- The overall Caesarean rate by 45%
- The length of labour by 25%
- Oxytocin use by 50%
- Pain medication by 31%
- Need for forceps deliveries by 34%
- Requests for epidurals by 10 - 60%
- Problems with breastfeeding and bonding
*Marshall H. Klaus, MD, John H.Kennell, MD and Phyllis H. Klaus, CSW, MFT : “The Doula Book: How a Trained Labour Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth”
