What is a Doula?
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth.
Why Should I hire a Doula?
For a better Overall Birth Experience! Some fathers worry that a doula will take over their roles in the birth process. Being a birth partner is challenging work, and most fathers feel a sense of relief and enjoy the birth experience more when a doula is present. Women have complex needs during childbirth and the weeks that follow. In addition to medical care and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect. They need individualized care based on their circumstances and preferences.
DONA International Doulas are educated and experienced in childbirth and the postpartum period. We are prepared to provide physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to women and their partners during labor and birth, as well as to families in the weeks following childbirth. We offer a loving touch, positioning and comfort measures that make childbearing women and families feel nurtured and cared for.
5 reasons Dad should demand a Doula:
1- A Doula can spell you.
2- A doula remembers what she learned in childbirth class.
3- A doula knows the questions to ask.
4- A Doula speaks the language of labour.
5- A Doula helps to keep you calm.
I'm having my 2nd (3rd...5th) Child and didn't have a Doula with my 1st, why should I have one this time?
Doulas aren't just for first-time moms. Many women hire a doula for 2nd & 3rd babies and beyond. A Doula can help you have a more relaxed and enjoyable Birth experience. If you had a traumatic previous birth experience, a Doula could improve the outcome for the next one. In fact, research shows that doulas do improve birth outcomes.
Women supported by a doula during labor have been shown to have :
*50% reduction in Cesarean rate.
*25% shorter labor.
*60% reduction in epidural requests.
*40% reduction in Pitocin use.
*30% reduction in analgesic use.
*30% reduction in forceps delivery.
How to Hire a Doula:
Conduct an in-person interview.
Meet a few Doula candidates to decide if they are compatible with your family.
Are they kind, warm and enthusiastic? Are they knowledgeable? Do they communicate well? Are they good listeners? Are they comfortable with your choices or do they seem to have their own agenda? Do you feel at ease with them?
The way that you feel with a Doula is more important than the number of births that they have attended or how many new families they have nurtured.
Questions to ask your potential Doula:
Tell me about your experience as a birth doula.
What is your philosophy about birth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
May we meet to discuss our birth plans and the role you will play in supporting me through birth?
May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?When do you try to join a family in labor? Do you come to our home or meet us at the place of birth?
Do you meet with us after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?
What training have you had?
Do you have a backup doula for times when you are not available?
May we meet them?
What is your fee, what does it include and what are your refund policies?