What is a Doula?
“Caregiver of another woman” is the Greek meaning of the word. Today we classify a doula as a woman who supports other women throughout labour and birth. She is trained and experienced in providing encouragement, reassurance, physical comfort and non-medical advice.
Why Have a Doula?
Continuous support for women labouring in hospital is even more important today due to the stresses of “increased instrumentation, technology and more generalized public knowledge of ‘risk’ factors”. A doula is there from the time you request her until after the baby is born. It is proven that having a doula present during labour significantly decreases the occurrence of unnecessary procedures:
*25% DECREASE IN LENGTH OF LABOUR
*40% DECREASE IN THE USE OF OXYTOCIN
*30% DECREASE IN THE USE OF NARCOTICS
*60% DECREASE IN EPIDURAL ANESTHESIA
*40% DECREASE IN FORCEPS DELIVERY
*50% DECREASE IN CESAREAN SECTION
(based on randomized trials of Klaus, Kennell & Klaus)
Because of a doula’s involvement from the beginning of a woman’s labour, she is able to provide alternative pain relief methods and in fact help a woman manage pain more effectively. However, should you choose or need a medical procedure your doula does support your decision.
