What exactly does a doula do?
We believe in birth as a rite of passage into parenthood, and that it sets the tone for your early days and years of parenthood. We believe that every mother deserves to enter their parenting journey with confidence and support.
A doula will be a roadmap for your journey to parenthood. We’ll be there to answer your questions and provide unbiased information so you can feel confident as you make important decisions surrounding your family's health. Throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum recovery, we use several forms of physical support to ease the process. In labor, we practice comfort measures that are specifically targeted to achieve your individual birth goals and enhance your experience. Our primary focus is you, your emotional wellbeing, your preferences for your experience, and your autonomy.
We’ll walk alongside you through the entire process. In pregnancy when you feel overwhelmed, in birth when you feel exhausted, or in parenthood when you are juggling recovery and your new role as a parent... we are here to support you and give you space to adjust.
Evidence Based Birth Article “Evidence on Doulas” concludes that:
“Of all the ways birth outcomes could be improved, continuous labor support seems like one of the most important and basic needs for birthing people. Providing labor support to birthing people is both risk-free and highly effective. Evidence shows that continuous support can decrease the risk of Cesarean, the use of medications for pain relief, and the risk of a low five minute Apgar score. Labor support also increases satisfaction and the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth. Continuous support may also shorten labor and decrease the use of Pitocin. Although continuous support can also be offered by birth partners, midwives, nurses, or even some physicians, research has shown that with some outcomes, doulas have a stronger effect than other types of support persons. As such, doulas should be viewed by both parents and providers as a valuable, evidence-based member of the birth care team.”
Doula Support Results in:
25% decrease in the risk of Cesarean; the largest effect was seen with a doula (39% decrease)*
8% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth; the largest effect was seen with a doula (15% increase)*
10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief; the type of person providing continuous support did not make a difference
Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score; there is no data on if the type of person providing continuous support makes a difference
31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience; mothers’ risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience was reduced with continuous support provided by a doula or someone in their social network (family or friend), but not hospital staff
Read the full article here: Evidence on Doulas
Testimonials
