B I R T H D O U L A
"Whenever and however you intend to give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body and your spirit for the rest of your life."
-Ina May Gaskin
- provide emotional, informational, and physical support for a woman throughout pregnancy and childbirth
- help achieve the healthiest and most satisfying birth experience
- help create a birth plan
- provide evidence-based information
- continuous labor support
- breastfeeding support
THE DOULA'S
ROLE
BENEFITS OF DOULA SUPPORT
- shorter labors with fewer complications
- more positive feelings about the childbirth experience
- a reduced need for pitocin, vacuum/forceps, or cesarean
- fewer requests for pain medications or epidurals
(dona.org)
DOULAS AND
PARTNERS
- help the partner be as involved as he/she wants
- make suggestions for different birthing positions and massage techniques
- keep the partner nourished so that the mother is never alone
-provide support (nourishment, feedback, etc.) so that the partner can focus on the needs of the mother
- give the partner a break to go to the bathroom, eat, or nap