The word “doula” is an ancient Greek word meaning “a woman who serves”. A birth doula is a trained professional that supports women and their families before, during, and just after childbirth. I provide continuous informational, emotional, physical, and spiritual support. That could be assisting you in finding evidence-based information on medical procedures, offering encouraging words during times of doubt, providing counter pressure as a comfort measure, or reading aloud scripture that will give you strength.

There have been numerous studies looking at the benefits of a doula. Women who receive continuous support are more likely to have spontaneous vaginal births, shorter labors, a baby with a higher Apgar score, and a positive feeling about childbirth. They are also less likely to use any pain medication, require Pitocin, need vacuum or forceps-assisted births or have a cesarean birth. More information on the benefits and evidence of a doula can be found at Evidence Based Birth and National Library of Medicine. 

Not at all! Your husband and a doula have different roles and can work together to provide comprehensive support for you. Your husband will need to take a quick bathroom break, have a snack, and possibly take a few minutes to decompress and I will be there to bridge that gap so your support is continual. There could also be times your husband is unsure of what is happening and the knowledge a doula has is comforting. Research shows that fathers were more satisfied with the birth experience when a doula was present for continuous support. 

A doula can be beneficial no matter what type of birth you are planning. I can provide information on medications and procedures, physical comfort techniques before pain medication is administered, and assist with position changing and emotional birth support after pain medication. The choice of pain medication is entirely up to you.

A doula can also be beneficial for a C-section. I can explain the procedure and provide you with emotional support as you prepare, stay with you during surgery (if the hospital allows), and be there to help you with immediate recovery and bonding with your newborn.