The word "Doula" comes from ancient Greek. Roughly translated it means "servant of love". We now use it to refer to a woman helping couples through childbirth.
A doula is a non-medical practitioner providing educational, physical and emotional support to a woman in labor and her partner. She helps to create a supportive climate around the mother-to-be, facilitating a successful birth.
A doula is able to assist a woman in labor through her words, her touch and her understanding of the birth process.
Most importantly, throughout the unique experience of childbirth, she remains a link to "normalcy" and protect the mother's memories of the birth.
What is a doula?
A Doula can improve the health of both mother and child. Having a doula at your birth can help to :
- Reduce significantly the duration of labor
- Reduce level of anxiety
- Reduce use of Pitocin
- Reduce epidural or other pain killer use
- Reduce risks of needing a Cesarean birth
- Increase chances of achieving a successful VBAC
- Reduce use of forceps or vacuum extraction of the baby
- Reduce risks of health complications and hospitalizations of baby
- Increase chances of succesful breastfeeding
- Reduce incidence of post-partum depression.
- Greatly increase the satisfaction of both mother and father with the birth experience
