FAQs – Doula
What is a Doula?
A doula is a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother and partner (if present) before, during and after childbirth.
There are two types of Doulas
Labour Doula:
- Educates prenatally
- Ensures a positive birth atmosphere
- Offers continuous emotional, physical and informational support during labour and delivery
- Uses various comfort measures
- Does not perform medical procedures
Postpartum Doula:
- Is knowledgeable about breastfeeding
- Mothers the mother
- Helps with light housekeeping and meal preparation
- Offers baby care information and support
- Aids in learning baby massage
- Watches for signs and symptoms of postpartum depression
What is are the benefits of having a Doula during labour?
- Epidurals reduced by 60%
- C-section reduced by 50%
- Length of labour reduced by 25%
- Oxytocin use reduced by 40%
- Use of narcotics reduced by 30%
- Forceps reduced by 30%
What are the long-term benefits of having a Doula?
- Improved breastfeeding
- Increased time spent with baby
- Decreased postpartum depression
- Increased confidence in parenting abilities
What is the difference between a Doula and a Midwife?
A Midwife specializes in the medical/clinical care of the mother and baby. The Doula does not perform any clinical procedures but focuses on the physical, emotional, and informational support. A Doula can serve as a complement to the medical care offered by both Midwives and Doctors.
Will a Doula attend a hospital birth?
Yes, most Doulas are comfortable working in hospital and home-birth settings. The role of the doula is to support the mother in whatever her wishes are. Therefore, if the mother would like a hospital birth then that is where the Doula will go.
I already have a partner or support person attending my birth, why do I need a Doula as well?
A Doula is not there to replace the supporting person, rather to help get the support person more involved in the labour and birth. Sometimes the support person is so emotionally invested in the situation that they are not sure how to help. The Doula can orchestrate how best to guide, encourage, and love the mother. The Doula can also serves as a reassurance and an assistance relief to the mother’s assistant. The Doula is there to work as a team with all of the people involved in the birth.