A doula is a non-medical childbirth professional who provides physical, emotional and informational support to pregnant people and their families during pregnancy, labor & delivery, and the postnatal period or “4th trimester.”
WHAT DOES A BIRTH DOULA DO?
- PREPARES: creation of birth plan, packing/collecting supplies for birth bag, set up nursery, recommend reading material, exercise, nutrition
- SUPPORTS: continuous emotional, physical and informational support throughout the entirety of labor
- COMFORTS: massage/comforting touch, breathing exercises, positioning/movement, relaxation
- ADVOCATES: facilitates communication with health care provider
- RECOMMENDS: tools, resources & referrals
WHAT DOES A POSTPARTUM DOULA DO?
- ASSISTS: newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation, and light housework
- SUPPORTS: provides emotional and physical support for family
- INFORMS: provides information regarding breastfeeding, formula feeding, infant cues, sleep and soothing, baby-wearing, emotional and physical recovery from birth and more
- CHILDCARE: cares for baby and/or older siblings when parents need rest, shower, etc
- RECOMMENDS: tools, resources & referrals
WHY HIRE A DOULA?
Studies show the presence of a doula can:
- increase chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth
- decrease use of Pitocin, pain medications, forceps/vacuum extraction
- decrease risk of cesarean birth, newborns being admitted to NICU, dissatisfaction with birth experience
- decrease risk of postpartum depression
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:
http://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/What
https://choicesinchildbirth.org/