Why Use A Doula?

Birth doulas accompany women and their partners in labor, providing emotional support and physical comfort. They facilitate communication with caregivers to help clients feel fully informed, provided reassurance, perspective and help with relaxation.

The word doula comes from the Greek word meaning “a woman who serves.”

Studies have shown that a doula’s presence at birth results in shorter labors with less complications, fewer requests for pain medications and/or epidurals and a reduction in labor-enhancing drugs (Pitocin), forceps, vacuum extractions and cesareans.

DONA International doulas mother the mother. 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 circumstances and preferences.

Doulas are educated and experienced in childbirth and the postpartum period. We are prepared to provided physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to women 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.

• Tend to result in shorter labors with fewer complications.
• Reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience.
• Reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extractions and cesareans.
• Reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals.

• Feel more secure and cared for.
• Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics.
• Have greater success breastfeeding.
• Have greater self confidence.
• Have less postpartum depression.