What is a doula?
dou·la ˈdo͞olə/noun a woman who is trained to assist another woman during childbirth and who may provide support to the family after the baby is born. A doula is someone who will protect your peace and your space while you are giving birth, providing non-judgemental support to families as they transition through the experiences of conception, pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.
Why is a doula needed?
Numerous studies have documented the benefits of having a doula present during labor. A recent Cochrane Review- Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth, showed a very high number of positive birth outcomes when a doula was present. With the support of a doula, women were less likely to have pain-relief medications administered and less likely to have a cesarean birth. Women also reported having a more positive childbirth experience.
Statistics for having a doula’s support during labor and delivery:
- 40% decrease in the use of Pictocin/Oxytocin
- 50% decrease in cesarean birth
-12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
- 60% decrease in epidural requests
- 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
- 34% decrease in risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
- 25% shorter labouring time
What about the father’s role when using a doula?
The role of the doula is never to take the place of a husband or partner’s in labor, but rather to complement and enhance their experience. Today, more husbands play an active role in the birth process. However, some partners prefer to enjoy the delivery without having to stand in as the labor coach. By having a doula as part of the birth team, a father is free to do whatever he chooses. Doulas can encourage the father to use comfort techniques and can step in if he wants a break. Having a doula allows the father to support his partner emotionally during labor and birth and to also enjoy the experience without the added pressure of trying to remember everything he learned in childbirth class!
Are doulas only useful if planning an unmedicated birth?
The presence of a doula can be beneficial no matter what type of birth you are planning. Many women report needing fewer interventions when they have a doula. But be aware that the primary role of the doula is to help mothers have a safe and pleasant birth–not to help them choose the type of birth. For women who have decided to have a medicated birth, the doula will provide emotional, informational, and physical support through labor and the administration of medications. Doulas work alongside medicated mothers to help them deal with potential side effects. Doulas may also help with other needs where medication may be inadequate because even with medication, there is likely to be some degree of discomfort. For a mother facing a cesarean, a doula can be helpful by providing constant support and encouragement. Often a cesarean results from an unexpected situation leaving a mother feeling unprepared, disappointed, and lonely. A doula can be attentive to the mother at all times throughout the cesarean, letting her know what is going on throughout the procedure. This can free the partner to attend to the baby and accompany the newborn to the nursery if there are complications.
.