What is a Doula

"Doula" comes from an ancient Greek word meaning "a woman who serves" and is currently 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.

There are a few organizations who offer courses and certification for Doulas in North America, but in Ontario there is no licensing body, or supervisory group to oversee a Doula and ensure she maintains professional standards.

Some Doulas may have other health care training – many are nurses (RN), naturopaths (ND) or lactation consultants, but all Doulas have a special interest in optimizing their clients' birth experience. Most Doulas provide support during birth, and understand the physiology of birth, as well as the special emotional needs of a woman in labour.

A Doula helps her client and her partners clarify their wishes for the birth, and then acts as a facilitator between a labouring client, her partner, and her clinical care providers (be they midwives, nurses or obstetricians). A doula's primary role is that of a nurturer of the mother-to-be – taking care of her needs, and even facilitating a partner in meeting the needs of the client.

Some Doulas offer post-partum care as well – they arrange to visit their clients in their homes, or at the hospital. Post partum doulas offer education, support, assistance with caring for the new born, light house work and meal preparation, and can be a wealth of information that is factual and helpful in regards to breast feeding, sleep, recovery and coping. Often a post partum doula knows who to refer to in a community if the need should arise.

Why consider working with a doula?

Well – if you are in your first pregnancy, it's really nice to have a woman with you who has been through it all before, and can focus on meeting your needs, explaining as things are done, and being your voice when you can't speak. Further, studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labours are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily (DONA International – www.dona.org). Other research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the introduction of a new baby to a family at home.

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula's presence at birth

tends to result in shorter labours with fewer complications

reduces negative feelings about one's childbirth experience

reduces the need for pitocin (a labour-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and caesareans

reduces the mother's request for pain medication and/or epidurals

Research shows parents who receive support can:

Feel more secure and cared for

Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics

Have greater success with breastfeeding

Have greater self-confidence

Have less postpartum depression

Have lower incidence of abuse