The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "woman caregiver".
A Birth Doula is a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother and her partner before, during,
and just after childbirth.
A Postpartum Doula provides practical and informational support as well as nurturing guidance to a family with a newborn.
BENEFITS OF DOULA SUPPORT:
Research and clinical studies* shows that when a Doula attends a birth:
- labors tend to be shorter with fewer complications
- there is a decreased need for pain medications
- there are less medical interventions
- a mother has more positive feelings about her childbirth experience
Parents who receive support from a Postpartum Doula*:
- have greater self-confidence
- feel more secure and cared for
- have greater breastfeeding success
- have fewer emotional challenges following birth
- are more successful in adapting to their new family dynamics
(* information from DONA International)
