About Doulas

Birth doulas are re-creating the woman-to-woman network of the past. Having another woman present to provide reassurance and encouragement has been seen throughout history. Unfortunately, as birth has been taken out of our communities, the experienced loving support of sisters, mothers, aunts, and friends has also diminished. Most women do not share or participate in a birth until they experience their own. This is where a birth doula can be so helpful. We understand the emotional and physical complexities of birth, we are able to ease the fears and anxieties of the unknown, and we can instill confidence and trust in you and your body. We are able to increase the intimacy of the experience for a mother and her partner by managing the fears of both parents and providing useful comfort techniques for the mother that the partner may use, as well. We also help facilitate communication with your maternity care team.

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth offers significant benefits:

Shortens labor
Results in fewer complications (26% less likely to give birth by cesarean section)
Reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
Reduces the need for pitocin, forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
Reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals

Research shows parents who receive the support of a Doula:

Feel more secure and cared for
Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
Have greater success with breastfeeding
Have greater self-confidence and less postpartum depression

Source: Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth