What Is A Doula?

A Doula is trained and experienced in providing emotional support, physical comfort, and nonclinical advice. Doulas draw on their knowledge and experience to reassure, encourage, comfort, and empathize with the laboring person. They work with the partner, guiding, and assisting you on how to help, suggesting when to use particular positions, the bath or shower, and specific comfort measures.

Health Benefits of Doula Care:

10% decrease in the use of pain medication

31% decrease in the use of Pitocin

34% decrease in the negative birth experience

41 minutes shorter labor

15% increase in spontaneous vaginal birth

38% decrease in low APGAR score: a measure of the physical condition of a newborn infant at 1-5 minutes after birth. It is obtained by adding points (2,1 or 0) for heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, response to stimulation, and skin coloration. A score of 7-10 (normal) and 4-6 (needs proper reevaluation & the infant requires monitoring for 5 minutes)

34% higher rate of breastfeeding

39% fewer cesareans

The purpose of a doula is to make the laboring person have a safe, memorable, satisfying birth. Patients are meant to feel seen, heard, and have a support system that genuinely cares about their well-being. This moment is meant to be empowering and a memory that will never be forgotten. Everybody wants to hold the baby, but who wants to hold the mother?