What does a Doula do?
A Doula supports women and their birth partners in the antenatal period, throughout labour and in the early stages of Parenting. People often think that Doulas are a 'new thing' when actually they have been around as far back as biblical times!
The word 'Doula' comes from the Modern Greek and means 'servant woman, slave'. In Biblical times the most senior/important female slave would support the lady of the house through childbirth, and would have been very highly regarded. Many studies have been carried out to evaluate the difference having a Doula will make for a woman and her birth partner during birth and the postnatal period. Cochrane Studies show that having a Doula present can:
A Birth Doula is able to support you and your birth partner to ensure that you both get the best possible experience of birth. A Birth Doula is not there to take the place of your Birth partner - but rather to support them too. Being unemotionally attached to you and the baby (as opposed to a relative or friend) means that the Doula can remain objective, remember your birth preferences for any given situation and not panic. A Doula supports you physically and emotionally using techniques to calm and assist your labour, and provides you with a wealth of information antenatally so you can make informed decisions. As a Doula is not medically trained they are not there to replace a midwife or advise you, but simply to ensure that you remain calm and content at all times by removing any stress or worries for you and to ensure you get the birth experience you deserve!
A Doula is also able to provide much needed emotional support at this important time in your life, leading to less risk of postnatal depression.
The word 'Doula' comes from the Modern Greek and means 'servant woman, slave'. In Biblical times the most senior/important female slave would support the lady of the house through childbirth, and would have been very highly regarded. Many studies have been carried out to evaluate the difference having a Doula will make for a woman and her birth partner during birth and the postnatal period. Cochrane Studies show that having a Doula present can:
- On Average shorten first time labours by around two hours
- Decrease the chance of a caesarean section by 50%
- Decrease the need for pain medication and medical intervention
- Help birth partners participate more confidently and feel involved in the birth
- Increase the success of breastfeeding, should you choose to.
- Mean you are less likely to be dissatisfied with your birthing experience
- Mean you are less likely to suffer postnatal depression.
A Birth Doula is able to support you and your birth partner to ensure that you both get the best possible experience of birth. A Birth Doula is not there to take the place of your Birth partner - but rather to support them too. Being unemotionally attached to you and the baby (as opposed to a relative or friend) means that the Doula can remain objective, remember your birth preferences for any given situation and not panic. A Doula supports you physically and emotionally using techniques to calm and assist your labour, and provides you with a wealth of information antenatally so you can make informed decisions. As a Doula is not medically trained they are not there to replace a midwife or advise you, but simply to ensure that you remain calm and content at all times by removing any stress or worries for you and to ensure you get the birth experience you deserve!
A Doula is also able to provide much needed emotional support at this important time in your life, leading to less risk of postnatal depression.
