What is a labor or birth doula? The word doula is a Greek word meaning "servant". A doula is a support person for a woman during birth. A doula is there to help her, encourage her, stand up for her during one of the most important events of her life, the birth of her child. A birth doula is a non‑medical part of the mother's birth team. She is there to take care of the mother's needs, encourage her that she can and is birthing her child. The doula helps the mother with everything from changing of positions to improve labor to even after the birth helping with breast feeding if needed. The doula is not there to take the place of the father or other birth partner. She is there so that the father does not have to concentrate on the technical part of the birth but can concentrate on the mother and the experience of the birth.
Some technical numbers regarding doulas. It has been proven that with a doula there is a 50% decrease in cesarean sections, a 25% decrease in the length of the labor. Also a 60% decrease in the use of epidurals and a 30% decrease in use of pain medications has been reported. Post‑partum depression has also decreased with use of a doula.
A doula does not push her beliefs of what the "perfect" birth will be onto her mother. She takes the time to listen to the mother. She takes note of her fears, her expectations. The mother, father/birth partner and the doula will talk. They will discuss comfort measures, what is acceptable and what will not be done during the birth. A birth plan will be created, written out and carried to the hospital so that all care givers involved will be aware of the mother's desires. The doula goes on call 24‑hours a day, seven days a week for the mother after being hired. She is there to field any questions that the mother might have that she doesn't want to disturb her obstetrician/midwife about, as a friend or just an ear to listen. She remains on‑call through the birth and until dismissed by the mother. She does not leave the mother's side during labor and delivery.
A doula's heart is full of compassion. She supports to the full extent of her being. She believes that all mothers and babies deserve the best in their journey through birth. She has balance. Balance in her family life, balance in her work. She believes in herself and her ability to assist and bring out the best in others. She can assert herself when needed yet become a part of the background when her work is done.
With open arms, a loving heart, listening ears and endless strength the doula cares for the birthing mother. She is her support, her voice and her friend