What effect does the presence of a doula have on the mother?
When a doula is present during and after childbirth, women report greater satisfaction with their birth experience, make more positive assessments of their babies, have fewer cesareans and requests for medical intervention, and less postpartum depression.
Does a doula replace the medical staff?
Doulas do not replace nurses or other medical staff. Doulas do not perform clinical or medical tasks like taking blood pressure or temperature, monitoring fetal heart rate, or doing vaginal examinations. They are there to comfort and support the mother and to enhance communication between the mother, partner and medical professionals.
Can doulas make decisions on my behalf?
A doula does not make decisions for clients or intervene in their clinical care. She provides informational and emotional support, while respecting a woman’s decisions.
Will a doula make my partner feel unnecessary?
A doula is supportive to both the mother and her partner, and plays a crucial role in helping a partner become involved in the birth in whatever way feels most comfortable.
What are the benefits of having a Doula?
Research shows that childbirth goes more smoothly with a doula present:
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50% reduction in the cesarean rate
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25% shorter labor
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60% reduction in epidural requests
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40% reduction in oxytocin use
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30% reduction in analgesia use
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40% reduction in forceps delivery
Doulas Make A Difference!
DONA International
PO Box 626
Jasper IN 47547
Phone: (888)788-3662
Email: Doula@DONA.org
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