The Role of a Doula

 

"Doula"-a Greek word meaning "Woman's servant." In labor support terminology, "doula" refers to a supportive companion (not a friend or loved one) professionally trained to provide labor support.

The Birth Doula
"In nearly every culture throughout history, women have been surrounded and cared for by other women during childbirth. Artistic representations of birth throughout the world usually include at least two other women, surrounding and supporting the birthing woman. One of these women is the midwife, who is responsible for the safe passage of the mother and baby; the other woman or women are behind or beside the mother, holding and comforting her. The modern doula is a manifestation of the woman beside the mother. Doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth, although they may or may not have given birth themselves.

The doula's role is to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to women and their partners during labor and birth. The doula offers help and advice on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning. She also assists families to gather information about the course of their labor and their options. Perhaps the most crucial role of the doula is providing continuous emotional reassurance and comfort. Doulas specialize in non-medical skills and do not perform clinical tasks, such as vaginal exams or fetal heart rate monitoring. Doulas do not diagnose medical conditions, offer second opinions, or give medical advice. Most importantly, doulas do not make decisions for their clients; they do not project their own values and goals onto the laboring woman. The doula's goal is to help the woman have a safe and satisfying childbirth as the woman defines it.

Reasons Why to have a Doula:

 Obstetrical Outcomes
50% reduction in cesarean section
25% reduction in length of labor
40% reduction in oxytocin use
30% reduction in use of pain medications (narcotics)
60% reduction in epidurals

Other Findings
Reduction in incidence of maternal fever, days spent in NICU, and in septic workups for the newborn

Longterm Benefits
Improved breastfeeding
Increased time spent with baby
More positive maternal assessments of baby's personality, competence and health
Decreased postpartum depression

Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus, Mothering the Mother. How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth. (Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., 1993)