Doula is a word that comes from ancient greek and means “women who serves”. A doula offers physical and emotional support for women before, during and just after birth. A doula fully understands the physiology of birth and will guide each woman through her own emotional needs. A doula is different from the hospital staff because she does not provide medical support. She is also an addition to a family member because she can bring information, facilitate communication and help them to participate at their comfort level.
A doula sees each birth as a unique, memorable and empowering experience for mother and baby. And she will help each woman to get the information she needs to make informed decisions.
Studies having shown innumerous benefits from having a doula at birth such as shorter labor, fewer complications and fewer interventions besides babies are healthier and breastfeed more easily.
Many women associate doulas with natural childbirth or a childbirth with no drugs. However, a doula is present to honor the birth as the mother wishes. So if you are planning on having an epidural or if you end up having a cesarean birth a doula can still be there hold your hand and help you go through one of the most special moments of your life.
Some of the reasons why you might need a doula:
* You wish to have physical (comfort measures) and emotional support during labor
* You wish to have information about pregnancy, labor and delivery so you can make informed decisions
* You wish to have someone that can facilitate your communication with hospital staff, family and friends during labor
*You wish to ease the job of family members and let them participate at their comfort level
*You wish to minimize interventions during labor
*You wish to have breastfeeding support readily available after you give birth
