Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born. ~Anais Nin

What is a Doula?
A doula is an ancient Greek word meaning "a woman who serves". Today, this term describes a person who supports women and their families in preparing for the birth of their child and helping them achieve a satisfying birth memory. Doulas are seen as integral members of the professional birth team. Doulas work in homes, hospitals, and birth centers and complement the care given by obstetricians, nurses, and midwives. They give continuous emotional, physical, and educational support to the mother before, during, and immediately after her labor.

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 mother and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth


• stays by the side of the laboring mother throughout the entire labor


• provides information about the risks and benefits of medical procedures, so the pregnant/laboring woman can make an informed choice about her body and her birth


• suggests exercises to make pregnancy more comfortable


• uses massage and other non-pharmacological pain relief measures


• provides positioning suggestions during labor and birth


• helps support the partner so that they can love and encourage the laboring woman


• assists breastfeeding preparation


• provides the new parents with a written record of the birth


• perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman's birth memory.

Doulas and Dads
The father benefits in many ways from the doula. He may find the doula's presence relaxes him and gives him more confidence. With a doula present, the pressure on the father is reduced. She helps him remember what he may have learned in childbirth classes and may make suggestions to him on laboring positions he can share with the mother. The doula is a guide for mothers and couples as they make their way through labor and birth. Fathers often feel relieved when they can rely on the doula for help.

Statistics
Some benefits of having a doula during your labor are:

• 25% Shorter labors
• 50% Less chance of c-section
• 60% Less need for Epidurals
• 40% Less need for forceps or vacuum extraction
• 30% Decrease in use of pain medications (narcotics)
• Higher success rate of VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)
• Decreased Postpartum Depression
• Improved breastfeeding
• Better maternal-infant interaction and bonding