A doula (pronounced "doo-la") is from the ancient Greek word meaning "female servant or slave". It is a woman who assists another woman before and during labor as well as during the immediate postpartum period. The are non medical support that provides informational, emotional, and physical support to the mother and family. A doula has also been called a labor coach, labor assistant, labor support person.
Eleven studies have shown:
Effects on Birth Outcomes
Labors are shorter
There are fewer complications
Cesarean rates are reduced
There is less need for oxytocin to speed up labor
Need for forceps is reduced
Women request less pain medication and epidurals
Effects on Mother
Greater satisfaction with their birth experience
More positive assessment of their babies
Less postpartum depression
Effects on the Baby
Babies have shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries
Babies breastfeed more easily
Mothers are more affectionate to their babies postpartum
Effects on Health Care System
The cost of OB care is dramatically reduced
Women are pleased with the personalized care doulas offer.
The Benefit of continuous support in labor is recognized by
The World Health Organization
The Medical Leadership Council
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada
Information taken from DONA at www.dona.org