What is a Doula?
“A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.”
Educational Support
Evidence based information on pregnancy, birth and infant care options.
Guide the mother and their partner through the stages of labour.
Teach the mother and partner different positions and options for comfort and pain management during labour.
Physical Support
Provide comfort measures such as massage, counter pressure, position changes and assistance with the shower.
Help with breathing techniques during contractions and pushing.
Help to create a calm environment by dimming the lights, playing your choice of music and arranging curtains.
Assistance with food, drink or warm/cold compress.
Emotional Support
Mothers the mother. Does not take the place of the partner but helps support both.
Coaches the mother and partner through fears and doubts.
Continual presence, reassurance and encouragement.
Advocacy
(defined as supporting the mother in their right to make decisions about their birth but not speaking for them.)
Facilitate communication between the birth parents and their care provider by encouraging the parents to ask questions and verbalize their preferences.
Asking the mother and partner what they want in specific situations and making the space for them to gather information and come to a decision without feeling pressured.
Respect, honor and listen to the mother’s decisions.
What the research says about Doulas
*Research has found that overall, people who have continuous support during childbirth experience a:
25% decrease in the risk of Cesarean; the largest effect was seen with a doula (39% decrease)*
8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth; the largest effect was seen with a doula (15% increase)*
10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief; the type of person providing continuous support did not make a difference
Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience; mother’s risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula or someone in their social network (family or friend), but not hospital staff.