Frequently asked questions
What are the medical benefits of having a doula?
The presence of a doula has been shown to decrease the length of labor, decrease the need for pain medication including epidurals, decrease the rate of cesarean sections, and increase breastfeeding rates.
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; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
Does a doula replace the nursing staff?
No. Doulas do not replace nurses or other medical staff. Doulas do not perform clinical or medical tasks such as taking blood pressure or temperature, monitoring fetal heart rate, doing vaginal examinations or providing postpartum clinical care. They are there to comfort and support the mother and to enhance communication between the mother and medical professionals.
Does a doula make medical decisions for me?
No. 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 unneccessary?
No, a doula is supportive to both the mother and her partner, and plays a crucial role in helps a partner become involved in the birth by giving ideas and suggestions to help the partner support the mother as well. Having a doula and your partner at your birth also means that if your partner or your doula needs to leave to get food or some sleep, you will not be left alone.