Why have a Doula?
A doula provides:
Unbiased, live information about birth
Resources and education prenatally
Encouragement and a calming presence
Suggestions to ease or speed labor
A sounding board for decision making
A listening ear and reassurance
Emotional support
Physical comfort measures
* Doulas do NOT provide medical advice
What about my spouse/partner?
What do Doulas do?
The presence of a Doula can help partners:
Feel more confident going into labor and birth
Learn relaxation and massage techniques prenatally to help prepare the woman's body for labor and birth
Use comfort measures and manage physical support during labor and birth
Be more involved
Understand normal labor
Navigate interventions
Adjust emotionally
More than 24 control studies prove the value of a doula!
Doula care is evidence-based practice
Improved newborn health
Improved birth outcomes
Doula-supported parents are shown to respond at higher sensitivity to the social and hunger cues of their baby
Having a Doula can...
Reduce risk of Cesarian section by 28%
Reduce the length of labor by 25%
Decrease use of Pitocin by 31%
Increase the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth by 12%
Mamas are more likely to have positive feelings about the birth experience
Mamas are more likely to give birth without pain medication