What Is A Doula?


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Doula is from the Greek referring to a woman who helps other women.

A doula fulfills that meaning and then some–she is someone who helps women during labor and birth through massage, relaxation, positioning and breathing.

A doula also helps families learn about information to help them to have a better birth experience. Doulas help to create an environment of safety for the mother so that she can allow her body to relax and work without feeling tense and threatened.

A doula is not at the birth to function as a medical adviser. She is working only for you as a wonderful, objective support and advocate.

What are the benefits of having a doula?

  • Shorter labor of about 25-50%
  • Decrease the chance of c-section by up to 50%
  • Decrease the need for pain medication by 30-60%
  • Help Fathers to participate with confidence
  • Increased success in breastfeeding
  • Greater satisfaction about the birth
  • Decrease the use of forceps by 40%
  • Reduce the use of Pitocin
Source: Klaus, Marshall H.,John H. Kennell, and Phyllis H. Klaus: Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth, Reading Pereus Books, 1993.
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