A Doula is a non-medical birth professional. They provide continuous physical, emotional, and educational
support before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas work in cooperation with your Doctors, Midwives, Nurses, and most
importantly, your birth partner. Doulas are recognized as an essential part of the birth team. They provide continuity
of care from home to hospital or birth center, and help to ensure a satisfying and fulfilling pregnancy and birth experience
for the entire family. Doulas realize that birth is an experience that is life changing and something the family will
never forget. Doulas are nurturers, comforters, and most often mothers themselves.
Doulas do NOT perform medical tasks such as blood pressure, vaginal exams, or fetal heart checks.
The Doula will not make decisions for you or speak to the medical staff on your behalf. The Doula will not come between
the birthing woman and her partner. The Doula will strongly encourage the partner's participation in the birth at his
or her own comfort level, while offering suggestions on how the partner can best help the birthing woman.
Today's modern birth experience is full of medical equipment, procedures, and interventions. The Doula's
main job is to focus on the birthing couple and provide them a calm, comfortable, and loving environment in which to labor.
During a normal hospital stay it is estimated that a laboring woman will have an average of 4 different nurses during her
birth. The Doula remains with the family for the duration of labor to ensure that their needs and wishes are met.
Whether having a home, birth center, or hospital birth, all families benefit from a Doula being present.
Benefits of Doula Support
* Research studies have shown
~ 60% reduction in epidural use
~ 40% reduction in use of pitocin
~ 57% reduction in use of vacuum or forceps
~ 51% reduction in cesarean sections
~ 25% reduction in length of labor
~ Greater maternal satisfaction
*Marshall Klaus, MD; Phyllis Klaus, M.Ed; and John Kennell, MD Mothering the Mother, NY: Addison
Wesley Publishing, 1993.
