Doula FAQ
What is a birth doula?
A birth doula is a person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.
Where does the word “doula” come from?
The word “doula” comes from ancient Greek, meaning “Woman’s servant.”
What are the benefits of hiring a doula?
Hiring a doula has a lot of amazing benefits.Below are just a few reasons why people hire doulas.
-tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
-reduces the chances of having a c-section
-reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
-reduces the need for Pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
-reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals
Research shows parents who receive support can
-feel more secure and cared for
-are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
-have greater success with breastfeeding
-have greater self-confidence
-have less postpartum depression
-have lower incidence of abuse
While hiring a doula doesn’t guarantee a perfect birth, the benefits are clear.
Will a doula make my partner feel unnecessary?
A doula is supportive to both the mother and her partner, and plays a crucial role in helping a partner become involved in the birth in whatever way feels most comfortable.
Does a doula replace the medical staff?
Doulas do not replace nurses or other medical staff. Doulas do not perform clinical or medical
tasks like taking blood pressure or temperature, monitoring fetal heart rate, or doing vaginal examinations. They are there to comfort and support the mother and to enhance communication between the mother, partner and medical professionals.
Can doulas make decisions on my behalf?
A doula does not make decisions for clients or
intervene in their clinical care. She provides informational and emotional
support, while respecting a woman’s decisions.
A birth doula is a person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.
Where does the word “doula” come from?
The word “doula” comes from ancient Greek, meaning “Woman’s servant.”
What are the benefits of hiring a doula?
Hiring a doula has a lot of amazing benefits.Below are just a few reasons why people hire doulas.
-tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
-reduces the chances of having a c-section
-reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
-reduces the need for Pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
-reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals
Research shows parents who receive support can
-feel more secure and cared for
-are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
-have greater success with breastfeeding
-have greater self-confidence
-have less postpartum depression
-have lower incidence of abuse
While hiring a doula doesn’t guarantee a perfect birth, the benefits are clear.
Will a doula make my partner feel unnecessary?
A doula is supportive to both the mother and her partner, and plays a crucial role in helping a partner become involved in the birth in whatever way feels most comfortable.
Does a doula replace the medical staff?
Doulas do not replace nurses or other medical staff. Doulas do not perform clinical or medical
tasks like taking blood pressure or temperature, monitoring fetal heart rate, or doing vaginal examinations. They are there to comfort and support the mother and to enhance communication between the mother, partner and medical professionals.
Can doulas make decisions on my behalf?
A doula does not make decisions for clients or
intervene in their clinical care. She provides informational and emotional
support, while respecting a woman’s decisions.