What is a Doula and How One Can Be Beneficial During Childbirth

Having a Doula present during your baby's birth may seem like a new trend but in reality doulas have been supporting mothers for many centuries. A Doula is a person who is experienced and trained in childbirth, has a love for the event and provides the mother-to-be with helpful information, physical and emotional support in the weeks before labor and during the birth itself. Doula is a Greek word for "women's servant" and basically a Doula is there to do whatever is necessary for the pregnant and laboring mother to help her achieve the birth she desires.

In the past laboring women often had their mother, sister or a close family friend for help and support during childbirth. Today it is common to only have your husband present and at times the nursing staff and your OB or Midwife. Your partner may be adequate help and enough of a labor coach for you but many times they are unsure about what they should be doing, especially if they are new to childbirth and it's their first child. An understanding Doula will help your partner assist you so that they feel included and are doing as much as they desire but the Doula is there to help as well and additional support is often needed so dad isn't overwhelmed.

Having a Doula present during labor and childbirth has been proven to result in a more positive experience for both parents and baby. The amount of unnecessary intervention decreases as does the desire for pain medication. You are less likely to need pitocin, vacuum extraction or forceps and the chance of a c-section drop drastically when using a birth Doula. Part of the reason things tend to go easier is that a Doula is there to help advocate on your behalf. They also aid communication between you and the doctor/nurses/midwife. New mothers who use a Doula are more likely to report a satisfaction with their birth experience and are less likely to develop post-partum depression.

Your Doula will be aware of your desired birth plan and help facilitate it in any possible way. Studies have shown that a Doula has a positive impact for the baby. There is less chance of requiring critical care or time in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care) and bonding between mother and child is increased as well as a more successful breastfeeding relationship.

How can you find a Doula? Ask for recommendations from women you know who have used a doula or search around on the internet for highly rated birth assistants. Your midwife or OB may also have suggestions and some hospitals employ their own Doula's knowing they reduce the chances for expensive interventions. Doula training and certifications vary, some have gone thru extensive professional programs such as DONA, CAPPA or ALACE while other have a lot of life experience and self education with childbirth. What's important is that you are comfortable in their presence, respect their knowledge and that you have the similar philosophies about pregnancy, labor and childbirth. The cost of a Doula also varies, as well as their terms of service. Some will start to see you several weeks before the birth, stay with you while you labor and for a few hours after your baby is born. Other's may also include post-partum visits and will continue to assist you for several weeks after the birth. You may be able to find a Doula who provides services on a sliding fee scale so that all women, no matter their income, can have a positive childbirth experience. Another idea is to find a Doula in the process of being certified as they will have a certain amount of births necessary before finishing their program so they may provide their service for low cost or even free.

While a Doula is not always necessary, almost all women who have hired one were happy with their experience. It's nice to have someone else there who knows what's going on and yet is not connected to you and the baby on the same level that your husband is. A Doula's role is to make sure you are comfortable and doing well, not nervously waiting the birth of their own child. In any situation be it hospital, homebirth or birth center, a Doula will play an important role in the birth of your baby and you won't regret having her there.