The roles of a birth doula
A birth doula…
- Recognizes birth as a huge life experience that the mother will remember all her life.
- Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
- Assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their birth plans for the birth.
- Stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor.
- Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint, and assistance to the woman in getting the information that she needs to make decisions she is comfortable with.
- Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and clinical care providers.
- Perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman’s memory of her birth experience.
- The acceptance of doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of parents and infants.
- As a Doula, I also provide postpartum care and breastfeeding support to families with newborn babies.
The positive impact of birth doulas:
- 39% less likely to give birth by cesarean
- 9% less likely to request medication
- 41% less likely to need an assisted delivery
- 35% less likely to be dissatisfied with their birth experience
- 31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin
- Shorter labors
- Enhanced breastfeeding
- Less postpartum depression and anxiety
- Greater self esteem
Research shows that women who have sustained support during labor are more likely to have positive birth experiences and less likely to have unwanted interventions.
Births doulas do not…
- Perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, and others. I am there to provide only physical comfort measures and emotional support.
- Make decisions for you. I will help you get the information that is necessary to make an informed decision.
- Speak to the staff on your behalf. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will speak directly to the clinical staff.