Doula is a Greek word meaning “Woman helping woman”
Doula is a Greek word that has come to mean a woman who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the birthing family before, during and just after childbirth.
The acceptance of doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and infants.
Motherhood is a major life transition, and the adjustment period feels less overwhelming when people are available to address your questions and concerns. It is for this reason that women and their families value the help a doula offers.
Benefits of a Birth Doula
Birth Outcomes
- Shorter labors
- Fewer complications
- Reduced cesarean rates
- Fewer requests for pain medication
Mothers
- Greater sense of fulfillment with the birth experience
- Greater satisfaction with her partner’s role
- Better bonding with her baby postpartum
- Less postpartum depression
Babies
- Shorter hospital stays
- Fewer admissions to special care nurseries
- Improved Breastfeeding Success
- More positive assessment of the baby
Benefits of a Postpartum Doula
- Increased chance of successful breastfeeding
- Reduced chance of infant dehydration and hospitalization due to informed care
- Less chance of maternal postpartum depression and shorter duration if it occurs
- Less maternal exhaustion, frustration, and apprehension during early weeks
- Reduction in unnecessary calls topediatricians
- Dad back to work sooner with less anxiety
- Greater understanding of newborn emotional and physical needs and behavior
- More independent control of baby’s care in the face of overbearing relatives and advice givers due to education and early positive experience
- Earlier bonding due to more confidence
- Paying for a doula gives relatives a way to give constructive help
