What is a Doula?
The word "Doula" is Greek for 'woman servant or caregiver', although it is now considered to translate to describe an experienced woman who provides physical and emotional support to a woman (or couple) during pregnancy, birth and shortly after childbirth.
In doing this, the whole family feel supported, more relaxed and able to enjoy the whole experience.
Birth Doula
A birth Doula acts as an advocate for a pregnant/labouring woman; she supports and empowers her to believe in her body and trust her instincts.
Some of the things a birth Doula may do during labour are:
- gentle massage, relaxation techniques, and other comfort measures
- provide information on options available
- give some childbirth education
- provide a listening ear
- give reassurance and encouragement
Postnatal Doula
A postnatal Doula gives support to a mum and her family after childbirth with breastfeeding and caring for their new baby; she provides a listening, non-judgemental ear to enable the de-briefing of birth and gives support information when necessary.
She also performs some of the following duties:
- General light household duties (washing-up, hovering, folding washing, etc. (within reason)
- Making tea/coffee/keeping mum hydrated and ensuring she is eating (especially if breastfeeding)
- Looking after baby and other small children so that Mum can have a rest/shower, etc.
- Listens
- Supports, reassures and encourages
- Gives information on support groups/contacts
Have you seen our doula packages?
Why You Should Have a Doula?
Having a doula to support you alone, or with a partner has proven to:
- reduce intervention and caesarean rates*
- reduce the need for painkillers or an epidural during birth*
- reduce the rate of induction of labour*
- shorten labour*
- increase parental satisfaction with birth experience*
- increase likelihood of initiating breastfeeding*
- increase likelihood of successfully establishing breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding at 6 weeks*.
*I also support bottle-feeding parents, no judgements.
* https://doula.org.uk/research/
Studies and continued evidence shows that women who receive continuous support are more likely to have a spontaneous vaginal birth and are less likely to have pain medication or an epidural. They are also 33% less likely to view their birth negatively.
In a Doula UK study, 93% attempted breastfeeding and 70 per cent were still exclusively breastfeeding after six weeks in comparison to those who did not have a doula.
Meet With An
Experienced Doula
If you like to chat about the support a doula can give then please feel free to get in touch.