Doula is a Greek word meaning “woman helping woman.”

A Doula's role is to provide non-medical care and continuous, exclusive support to a laboring mother.  Studies show that at a standard hospital birth, a doctor is with the birthing mother only 5% of the time and nurses only 20-25% of the time.  Labor support from a Doula means constant care throughout the entire experience and journey of childbirth, helping to guide the natural rhythms of labor while providing a sense of consistency and security. 

history:

In the early 1900’s the birth scene changed dramatically, moving from homes to hospitals.  A majority of women in the US now give birth in hospitals where the hectic environment includes medical personnel changing shifts and speaking a language that often puts laboring mothers in a state of heightened stress.

Clinical studies have found that a Doula’s presence at birth contribute to the following:

• Reduction of cesarean rates
• Reduction in use of forceps
• Less requests for epidurals
• Shorter labor
• Reduction in pitocin; oxytocin augmentation
• Lower rates of newborn complications
• Reduction of maternal bleeding after birth
• Increased success with breastfeeding
• Reduction in postpartum depression
• Increased maternal satisfaction

Research also shows parents who receive support can:

• Feel more secure and cared for
• Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
• Have greater success with breastfeeding
• Have greater self-confidence and decrease in stress
• Have less postpartum depression
• Have lower incidence of abuse