What is a Birth Doula?
Birth doulas support pregnant women and their partners during their babies' births by providing practical, informational and emotional support. This individualized support is provided for all types of births and choices, ranging from “natural” home births and those using medical options in the hospital. It helps couples advocate for themselves and results in positive and satisfying birth experiences.
How is that different than a midwife?
Midwives are medical care providers, somewhat similar to an OBGYN. They care for a woman during her pregnancy and baby's birth.
In contrast, doulas do not provide medical care; rather, they help clients navigate the myriad of choices they encounter through the process. Doulas also offer expert guidance through the physical and emotional realities of childbirth and the immediate postpartum period.
How are birth outcomes improved by hiring a doula?
Multiple randomized control studies have found that the presence of a trained doula benefits everyone. The studies have consistently shown that doula care is associated with shorter labors, less use of epidurals and other pain medications, lower episiotomy rates, and as much as a 50% reduction in the C-section rate. Research has proven better clinical outcomes for both the mother and the baby (including fewer NICU admissions, higher breastfeeding rates, and easier family bonding). A doula also provides care for the mother’s partner and other family members, and greatly improves the mother’s overall satisfaction with her birthing experience.
Will a doula take the place of a spouse or partner?
A doula should enhance the experience for everyone attending your birth by providing a calm presence and allowing everyone to participate to the level of their comfort. Many partners feel the doula encouraged them to participate more than they would have otherwise, as she could show them comfort measures that could work at the various stages of labor, that they would never have known otherwise.
Do you only do home births?
Certainly not, a large number of clients deliver in a hospital.
Why do Doulas charge a fee?
Like anyone, a doula's time is valuable. She is on call for four weeks surrounding baby's estimated due date and will come to support the family any time night or day for the duration of the time she is needed . This, in addition to her training and experience, is something that many mothers find immensely valuable.
Birth doulas support pregnant women and their partners during their babies' births by providing practical, informational and emotional support. This individualized support is provided for all types of births and choices, ranging from “natural” home births and those using medical options in the hospital. It helps couples advocate for themselves and results in positive and satisfying birth experiences.
How is that different than a midwife?
Midwives are medical care providers, somewhat similar to an OBGYN. They care for a woman during her pregnancy and baby's birth.
In contrast, doulas do not provide medical care; rather, they help clients navigate the myriad of choices they encounter through the process. Doulas also offer expert guidance through the physical and emotional realities of childbirth and the immediate postpartum period.
How are birth outcomes improved by hiring a doula?
Multiple randomized control studies have found that the presence of a trained doula benefits everyone. The studies have consistently shown that doula care is associated with shorter labors, less use of epidurals and other pain medications, lower episiotomy rates, and as much as a 50% reduction in the C-section rate. Research has proven better clinical outcomes for both the mother and the baby (including fewer NICU admissions, higher breastfeeding rates, and easier family bonding). A doula also provides care for the mother’s partner and other family members, and greatly improves the mother’s overall satisfaction with her birthing experience.
Will a doula take the place of a spouse or partner?
A doula should enhance the experience for everyone attending your birth by providing a calm presence and allowing everyone to participate to the level of their comfort. Many partners feel the doula encouraged them to participate more than they would have otherwise, as she could show them comfort measures that could work at the various stages of labor, that they would never have known otherwise.
Do you only do home births?
Certainly not, a large number of clients deliver in a hospital.
Why do Doulas charge a fee?
Like anyone, a doula's time is valuable. She is on call for four weeks surrounding baby's estimated due date and will come to support the family any time night or day for the duration of the time she is needed . This, in addition to her training and experience, is something that many mothers find immensely valuable.