Doula is a Greek word meaning woman servant. A doula is a trained experience woman who will offer emotional and physical support during labour and also post natally. Mothers do not always have an extended family to hand for help, which is where a doula can be on hand for support before, during and after labour along with the practicalities of baby care.
A doula is not a medical role or replacement for a midwife, her role is to fulfil the emotional and practical needs of a woman and her partner during labour, birth and postnatally.
She can work antenatally and or postnatally depending on which services are required. This can be tailored specifically to suit personal needs. Each service can beneficial together or separately.
Why have a doula?
Research has shown that having a doula supporting you during birth can lead to:
25% shorter labour
50% reduction in a caesarean
60% reduction in epidural request
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery
(Klaus, Kendall & Klaus 1993 Mother the Mother)
Six weeks after the birth, mothers who had doulas were:
Less anxious and depressed
Had more confidence with baby
More satisfied with their partner (71% vs 30%)
More likely to be breastfeeding (52% vs 9%)
(Statistics taken from "A Doula makes the Difference" by Nugent in Mothering Magazine March-April 1998)
What about dad or partner?
Having a doula at your birth should never undermine or diminish your partner's supporting role. Supporting a labouring mother can sometimes be a long tiring and emotional experience; many partners find the presence of a doula can make things easier for them as well. A doula can simply provide reassurance for partners, or show them how to help mum with her positioning and breathing if they would prefer to be more involved. The involvement of a doula will be defined by the couple. Sometimes during a particularly long or complicated labour it can also be beneficial for partners to be helped to stay calm and focussed.
What if I have had my baby and now feel that I need help?
This can be quite common especially if there have been complications with your birth e.g. an unplanned caesarean. Please feel free to contact me and where possible I will be able to give you some help and support or put you in touch with another recommended doula.