Common Questions
What is a Labor Doula?
A labor doula is a woman knowledgeable and experienced in the birth process who provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth.
Does having a doula lessen the use of medical intervention?
Studies have shown that having a doula present for labor and birth has resulted in:
50% reduction in cesarean rates
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in oxytocin (Pitocin) use
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery
An intuitive doula can actually bring a couple closer together during this exciting time...
Doulas & Dads
Some expectant fathers are concerned that hiring a labor assistant undermines his job as coach. This is a common misconception. The fact is that a professional labor support person assists the father by making practical suggestions so he can better help his partner, and frees him to participate in ways in which he is most comfortable without compromising the needs of the laboring woman. Having a doula present allows the father to concentrate all his energies on his partner.
A doula does not replace or interfere with the father. An intuitive doula can actually bring a couple closer together during this exciting time. This is an amazing and challenging time for both mother and father. Fathers worry, often finding it difficult when they are unable to take away the physical pain their wives are going through. A doula can assist him in caring for and supporting his partner, often making suggestions for comfort techniques and position changes, giving encouragement and reassurance, and needed breaks during a long labor.