| Benefits of a Birth Doula
Studies have shown that having a doula
present at birth may:
- Reduce the rate of cesarean birth by
50%*
- Reduce the need or amount of epidural
requests by 60%* along with other
pain medication
- Result in shorter labors by 25%*
- Reduce the use of pitocin by 40%*
- Reduce forceps delivery by 40%*
- Enhance the nurturing role of the
mom with her new baby
- Lower the rate of postpartum
depression
* From Mothering the Mother, Marshall
Klaus, Phyllis Klaus, and John Kennel
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What is a Birth Doula?
The term doula is Greek word that literally
translates to -servant-. In modern society,
a birth doula has come to mean someone
who helps or supports a woman through-
out her labor and delivery.
A doula is a non-medical professional labor
support person. She provides informational,
emotional, and physical support including
comfort measures such as position changes
and massage for the mom and her husband/
partner. She is there to help them have the
kind of birth experience they desire. Although
no one can guarantee or predict the course a
birth will take, a doula can help prepare and
support expectant parents, allowing them to feel more secure
and empowered, throughout this profound
life transition.
A doula does not take the place of a
husband/partner, family member, or other
health professional. Rather she is there to
continuously support the mom allowing
other loved ones to maintain their own
relationships with the mother and roles in
her labor and delivery.
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