Studies have shown that births have a...
Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can HelpYou Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth, Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993).
What is a Doula?
"Doula" is an ancient Greek term meaning "woman's slave." It has evolved over the years to describe someone experienced with birth who offers support to a labouring woman prenatally, during labour and birth, and postpartum. A doula is hired by the pregnant woman, she is not contracted by a medical professional and does not offer any medical services. She is a valuable addition to the maternity team and does not replace a partner, midwife, or doctor. A doula is a constant source of comfort, support, and information, regardless of the type of birth the mother wants.
What does a Doula do?
- 50% reduction in the cesarean rate
- 25% shorter labor
- 60% reduction in epidural requests
- 40% reduction in pitocin use
- 30% reduction in analgesia use
- 40% reduction in forceps delivery
Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can HelpYou Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth, Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993).
What is a Doula?
"Doula" is an ancient Greek term meaning "woman's slave." It has evolved over the years to describe someone experienced with birth who offers support to a labouring woman prenatally, during labour and birth, and postpartum. A doula is hired by the pregnant woman, she is not contracted by a medical professional and does not offer any medical services. She is a valuable addition to the maternity team and does not replace a partner, midwife, or doctor. A doula is a constant source of comfort, support, and information, regardless of the type of birth the mother wants.
What does a Doula do?
- Empowers women to believe in themselves and their innate strength as women and as mothers.
- Empowers her clients to make the choices they feel most comfortable with and have the opportunity to have the birth experience they desire.
- Helps in preparing you for what is to come and how you can best handle it
- Helps clients build their “birth wish” so they may better focus on the overall birthing process
- Provides mental, physical, and emotional support throughout the birthing process
- Uses various comfort measure techniques for labour which may include; acupressure, water therapy, massage, movement techniques, rebozo usage, meditation and focus affirmations, aromatherapy, etc.
- Lets the birthing partner use the washroom, eat or rest a little without guilt
- Helps the birthing partner to participate within their comfort level.
- Provides immediate breastfeeding support
- Helps to get mama and babe off to the best possible start!