Doula Facts

The Greek word doula means woman caregiver.  We now use the word to describe a trained and experienced labor companion who provides the woman and her partner continuous emotional support, physical comfort, and assistance in obtaining information before, during and just after childbirth.

A birth doula
...recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life...
...understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor...
...assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth...
...stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor...
...facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and clinical care providers...

Studies show that a woman who labors with a doula are...
...26% less likely to have a cesarean section
...41% less likely to give birth with vacuum extractors or forceps
...28% less likely to use analgesia or anesthesia
...33% less likely to be dissatisfied with their birth experience

Long term outcome
...Enhanced breastfeeding
...Better maternal-infant interaction
...Less postpartum depression, anxiety, and greater self-esteem
...Greater satisfaction with birth experience