What is a Doula?
"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." - Dr. John Kennell
Photo credit: Kendra L. Watkins Photography
Definition of a Doula
The word doula originates from an ancient Greek word meaning "a woman who serves"; though today the term is used as a title for an experienced childbirth professional trained in providing physical, emotional, educational and spiritual support before, during and after childbirth. Doulas provide support to the expecting mother and family to help you find your own voice and make informed decisions that are best for you, your baby and your family.
Results
Numerous studies have shown that the presence of a doula during labor and birth results in:
Parents who receive continuous support such as that of a doula tend to:
* information gathered from The Cochrane Collaboration Review: Continuous support for women during childbirth.
Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr GJ, Sakala C, Weston J. Continuous support for women during childbirth.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub3.
My Doula Philosophy
The word doula originates from an ancient Greek word meaning "a woman who serves"; though today the term is used as a title for an experienced childbirth professional trained in providing physical, emotional, educational and spiritual support before, during and after childbirth. Doulas provide support to the expecting mother and family to help you find your own voice and make informed decisions that are best for you, your baby and your family.
Results
Numerous studies have shown that the presence of a doula during labor and birth results in:
- 31% decrease in the use of Pitocin
- 28% decrease in the risk of C-section
- 12% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
- 9% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
- 14% decrease in the risk of newborns being admitted to a special care nursery
- 34% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience
Parents who receive continuous support such as that of a doula tend to:
- Feel more secure and cared for
- Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
- Have greater success with breastfeeding
- Have greater self-confidence
- Have less postpartum depression
- Have lower incidence of abuse
* information gathered from The Cochrane Collaboration Review: Continuous support for women during childbirth.
Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr GJ, Sakala C, Weston J. Continuous support for women during childbirth.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub3.
My Doula Philosophy
- I have the upmost respect for the pure, organic power of women to birth their babies in whatever way their motherly intuition guides them.
- I believe that labor and birth are events that should strengthen the permanent relationships in the woman's life. Therefore it is always my goal to support and encourage the role of the fathers, partners, families and other persons loved by the laboring mother,
- I believe in informed consent and will willingly provide evidence-based, non-biased information regarding risks and benefits of any labor or birth procedures so mothers may make informed decisions which they feel is right for them,
- I commit to supporting all variations of birth options, as each woman, each child, and each birth is unique and all have different needs.
