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 and practical support during the postpartum period. Most doula-client relationships begin a few months before the baby is due. During this period, they develop a relationship in which the mother feels free to ask questions and express her fears. Doulas do not provide any type of medical care! A Doula acts as an advocate for the mother, encouraging and helping her fulfill specific desires she might have for her birth. The goal of a doula is to help the mother experience a positive and safe birth. After the birth, doulas spend time helping mothers begin the breastfeeding process and encouraging bonding between the new baby and other family members.
Numerous studies have shown that when doulas attend births, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily. With the support of a doula, women are less likely to have a pain-relief medications administered and less likely to have a cesarean birth. Other studies have shown that having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40% and requests for an epidural by 60%. What about the father’s role when using a doula? The role of the doula is never to take the place of husbands or partners in labor but rather to compliment and enhance their experience.
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