"The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period." -DONA International
What is a labor support doula?
A Doula is a specially trained woman who accompanies a woman and/or couple during labor to provide educational, emotional and physical support. Our continuous, knowledgeable, and reassuring presence makes a dramatic difference on how confident and comfortable a woman feels during labor and birth.
Click here to learn about our Beautiful Beginnings Labor Doulas!
Benefits of having a trained labor doula include:
- Shorter length of labor
- Less use or request for pain medications
- Less inductions and augmentations of labor
- Fewer assisted deliveries
- Lower Cesarean rate
- Increase in successful VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)
- Doula support has been linked to better parenting and higher satisfaction with outcome of the birth in general
- Empowerment of the couple about making choices for their well-being
- Higher satisfaction of their personal accomplishments during labor
What does a labor doula do?
- A Doula does not interfere with, or replace the support person, but instead works with him/her to create a strong and supportive team.
- A Doula gives constant support. This allows the support person to take a break, get something to eat, make calls, etc, without worrying about mom being left alone.
- A Doula helps with relaxation, massage, acupressure, and emotional support. Educational support is also a major factor in keeping the laboring couples calm and informed.
- If the support person forgets the technique, the Doula refreshes the support person's memory to enable him/her to be effective for mom.
- The Doula can be contracted to help moms who may not have a support person available.
- The Doula helps in significant ways by protecting your experience and advocating for your birth plan.
- The Doula informs you of options and information concerning your choice of pain relief or change of plan if needed.
How does a doula service work?
Mom/couple set up a meeting with the Doula to become acquainted and discuss your priorities and desires. We will review any childbirth education and design a personal birth plan.
Once contracted, the Doula will be on call as your due date approaches. Constant phone support is available. There will always be a backup Doula on call as well. Because we are a team of Doulas, we can guarantee that you will not be alone.
Once mom is in labor, we are by your side until after the baby's birth. We stay 1-2 hours after the birth or until mom is comfortable with our leaving. A follow up visit, as well as phone support when needed, completes the service.
We recommend that you interview a few of the doulas. You want to find the right doula for you, and our doulas are very diverse in their backgrounds, life experiences and personalities. Please email or call an assortment of doulas. You can make that first contact by email or phone, set up a 'meet and greet' and decide who is the right doula for you! Once you've made your decision, you can do a fuller pre-meeting and the personalization of your birth will start at that point.
Additional Resources for information about Labor Doulas
DONA International
Insurance Reimbursement for Labor Doulas (updated 9/29/09)
Questions to Ask a Doula
Online Birth Plan Assistance
Click here to learn about Postpartum Doulas.
