What is a Doula?

A birth doula is a professionally trained childbirth assistant who sees the mother throughout pregnancy, labour, and after birth.  The role of a doula is to be your labour support and help with establishing breastfeeding after the birth (if you choose) and provide you with information on ANY questions you may have about interventions, birthing positions, etc. 

During pregnancy, your doula will assist you with discovering your concerns and preferences about childbirth and can suggest holistic and natural (non-medical, non-pharmaceutical) remedies to minor pregnancy discomforts.   They may also use relaxation massage, acupressure, physical comfort measures and breathing techniques to help you prepare for labour and birth.   Your doula will meet you at your home when you are in active labour and go with you to the hospital.

In the hospital, they will actively support you during labour - offering suggestions and help with positioning, comfort measures, etc.   If you have questions about anything that comes up medically, your doula will provide you with the information you need to make informed choices. If you feel that something the medical staff is doing or wants to do is against your wishes, they will support you in your choices, however you and your partner should take the opportunity to relay your concerns to the medical staff if you are able.   If you decide you want something for pain relief, they will support your choice.   It is your birth and the doula's role is as your support person.

A From Womb to Cradle birth doula:

What do we do?

Your From Womb to Cradle doula will be available to you during your prenatal period, most likely during your last trimester.   They will have one consultation (free), where the doula will meet you and your partner.  You may use this as an opportunity to be able to decide if they will be a good fit as your doula.   Following the consultation, if you choose to hire a From Womb to Cradle doula, you will have at least two prenatal visits.

At the first visit you will talk about your birth plans and what are your desires and write your birth plan.   At the second visit, you will cover any questions/concerns you may have, etc.  Your doula will provide support via email and phone addressing any concerns you may have.   Two weeks before your due date, they remain on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to be notified of the onset of labour.

The doula is notified early in the onset of labour or if the your water has broken so they can provide continuous care throughout the labour process.   Your doula will support you and your partner labouring at home or in the hospital for the full duration of labour and up to 2 hours after birth. Your doula will visit you during the post partum period (3 to 5 days after the birth) and provide you with a keepsake birth story.   Additional postpartum visits may be possible depending on circumstances.

Where does the word, doula come from?

The word “doula” comes from ancient Greek, meaning “Woman’s servant.”  Throughout history and in much of the world today, a cadre of people support a woman through labor and birth, giving back rubs and providing continuous emotional support.  Like their historical counterparts, DONA International birth doulas know how to help a woman in labor feel better.  However, today’s doulas are much more diverse than their predecessors.  DONA International membership includes men and women from a wide range of ages and cultural backgrounds.

What effects does the presence of a doula have on the mother?

When a doula is present during and after childbirth, women report greater satisfaction with their birth experience, bond easier with their babies, have fewer cesareans and requests for medical intervention, and less postpartum depression.

What effects do the presence of doulas have on babies?

Studies have shown that babies born with doulas present breastfeed more easily and tend to have shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries.

Does a doula replace nursing staff?

No.  Doulas do not replace nurses or other medical staff. Doulas do not perform clinical or medical tasks such as taking blood pressure or temperature, monitoring fetal heart rate, doing vaginal examinations or providing postpartum clinical care.  They are there to comfort and support the mother and to enhance communication between the mother and medical professionals.

Does a doula make decisions on my behalf?

A doula does not make decisions for clients or intervene in their clinical care.   The doula provides informational and emotional support, while respecting a woman’s decisions.

Will a doula make my partner feel unnecessary?

No, a doula is supportive to both the mother and her partner, and plays a crucial role in helping a partner become involved in the birth to the extent he/she feels comfortable.  DONA's Partners and Birth Doula's Brochure (PDF).