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What is a Labour Doula? |
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The word ‘doula’ is Greek for ‘woman caregiver’ or ‘woman servant’. Today, the term ’Labour Doula’ describes a professional labour coach, or labour support person, who offers continuous physical and emotional support before, during and after childbirth. Certified doulas have undergone some formal training in labour support, are usually very well-read on the subject of childbirth, and have the benefit of experience with labouring women.
Women have been ‘doula-ing’ to other women for as long as women have been giving birth. In the early 20th century, the move to hospitals as the primary location for birth threatened to interrupt this vital support. Yet doulas continued to serve women at home births, usually as part of a personal, rather than professional, relationship. The 1970s saw a resurgence in all aspects of natural childbirth, including the work of Drs. John Kennel and Marshal Klaus. Their research showed that the presence of a labour doula can have a tremendous impact on obstetrical outcomes. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that with a doula:
Cesarean Section rates are reduced by 50% Length of Labour is reduced by 25% Oxytocin Use is reduced by 40% Use of Pain Medications (narcotics) is reduced by 30% Forceps use is reduced by 30% Epidural use is reduced by 60%
Also down are the rates in maternal fever, days an infant spends in the NICU, septic workups on newborns, and the incidence and severity of postpartum depression. What doulas improve are breastfeeding success rates, the time a new mother spends with her baby, and maternal assessments of the baby’s wellbeing.
Doulas can be hired for births in homes, hospitals, or birthing centers. While some doulas work as hospital employees, most are hired privately. Unlike caregivers such as doctors and nurses, doulas are on call to their clients 24/7 during the last weeks of pregnancy and they never go off shift during your labour. That means that you can build a valuable relationship with your doula during prenatal visits, and know that she is the one who will be with you throughout your entire labour.
Please view the DONA International video “The Essential Ingredient: Doula” on YouTube.
For more about how a doula can help your husband or other loved one to give you the best possible support during labour, see our Doulas and Dads page. |
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The perfect marriage of experienced caregiver and loving friend. |
