FAQ

What is a Doula?

A doula is a woman who is trained to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers-to-be and their partners before, during labor and birth, and postpartum.

Doulas work alongside physicians, midwives, nurses, and birth partners. Experienced, certified doulas are considered part of the obstetric team, as they help couples minimize obstetrical intervention through informational and emotional support, and maximize their satisfaction with their birth experiences.

How do doulas differ from midwives?

Doulas do not provide clinical tasks. Non-medical skills include explanations of medical procedures, 24 hour informational support during pregnancy and postpartum, positioning suggestions during labor and birth, massage and other non-pharmacological pain relief measures, reassurance, help with breastfeeding preparation and beginnings, and most importantly, a constant nurturing, helpful and objective support as well as first-hand knowledge and understanding of what the laboring mother is going through. This benefits both the mother and father-to-be.

Both midwives and doulas attend home births. However, most of the doula’s work is done for couples having a hospital birth. She comes to the home in early labor, and then follows the couple to their birthing place.

Does a doula replace the father's or the birth partner's role?

On the contrary! Her presence strengthens the father’s role. Pressure to know how to help the laboring mother is removed. The doula anticipates the physical and emotional needs of the laboring mother as labor progresses, and helps the birth partner to better help the mother during this trying time.

This is such an intimate and private time. Does the doula interfere with that?

Contrary to popular belief, the doula- assisted birth is even more intimate. Early labor can take place comfortably in your home. Dim lighting, soothing music, warm water, and relaxation: all are encouraged by the doula.  The emotional bond and sense of connection between mother and partner is important, and the doula knows when to stay in the background when the couple is doing well, and when to jump in and offer guidance, such as position changes and breathing variations, as labor progresses.

Isn’t the doula a stranger?

You will have spent many hours getting to know your doula during hour-long prenatal visits, and on an on-call basis with weekly communication during the last month of your pregnancy. She will be the professional you are very comfortable with in your home. She will be a constant presence in hospital, unlike other maternity staff who unfortunately have shift changes. Like them, however, she is not an emotionally-involved family member who may find it difficult to witness their loved one during the hard work of labor.

What does research show?

Numerous studies have shown that the presence of a doula at a birth results in:

• 50% reduction in cesarean rates*
• 40% reduction in forcep deliveries*
• 25% shorter labors*
• 60% reduction in epidural requests*
• 40% reduction in oxytocin (Pitocin) use*
• better mother-infant bonding*
• 30% reduction in analgesia use*
• reduced post-partum depression*

*(Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth), Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus

Are there differences between doulas?

Doulas come from all backgrounds, and differ greatly with their experiences as well as their philosophies. Training and certification programs vary greatly. While certification is highly recommended, it is not mandatory. Some doulas have Childbirth Education Certificates, while most do not.