What is a birth doula?

"Doula" (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver". It now refers to an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a mother and her partner before, during and after childbirth. A doula believes in "mothering the mother" - enabling a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time that she can during birth and the early days as a new mother. This type of support also helps the father to relax and enjoy the experience.

Doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth. They have a good knowledge and awareness of female physiology but are NOT a medical professional - that is the role of the midwife or doctor and medical staff. Doulas can offer a wide range of comfort measures during labour - from massage to positioning suggestions to coping techniques and continuous reassurance to help labour progress as well as possible.

A doula will have met with the couple before labour begins to get to know them and their hopes for the birth of their baby. A doula will join a labouring woman either at her home or at the hospital and remain with her until a few hours after the birth. Doulas assist with breastfeeding and are valuable regardless of the birth choices the couple have made. A doula is a great support for the family whether they birth at home, in an active birth unit, at a hospital or have a ceasarean birth.

Why do I need a doula?

Research has shown that having a Doula present at a birth:

• Shortens first time labour by an average of 2 hours
• Decreases the chance of caesarean section by 50%
• Decreases the need for pain medication
• Helps fathers participate with confidence
• Increases success in breast-feeding

See the extensive research