There is also evidence to show that mothers who are nurtured throughout labor, and immediately after birth, have healthier babies and increase mother to baby success in breast feeding and have greater maternal satisfaction and bonding with their babies. They are more likely to appreciate their newborn, breastfeed longer, be more satisfied with their birth experience, and are less likely to suffer from postpartum depression.

For more information on the numerous clinical studies relating to the benefits of using a doula, click here.

The Purpose and Value of Labor Support

A woman will remember her children’s births forever, carrying with her good or bad impressions of herself, her abilities and her experience. A birth doula enhances the childbirth experience for the mother and her partner through knowledge, compassion and support. She draws on her knowledge of and experience with birth as she reassures, encourages and empathizes with the mother. This support enables new parents to be more active participants in their births, ensuring a fond memory and a healthier postpartum period (i.e. improved breastfeeding, decreased postpartum depression and increased mother/infant interaction).

Not only is a couple’s memory of the labor and birth greatly enhanced with the presence of a doula, but according to studies by Kennell and Klaus, so is the medical outcome. These studies show that the use of a doula during labor and delivery can result in a 50% reduction in the cesarean rate, 25% shorter labor, 40% reduction of forceps delivery, 40% reduction of oxytocin use and a 50% decrease in epidural requests.* The reason for these positive outcomes is inherent in the type of support the doula provides.

A doula offers help and advice on physical comfort measures such as positioning, breathing, movement, relaxation and other non-pharmacological pain relief measures. And since fear can prolong and inhibit labor, a doula will work to reduce the amount of stress, anxiety and tension in labor through touch and massage. According to physicians Marshal Klaus and John Kennell, massage helps stimulate the production of natural oxytocin (which results in a feeling of well being, drowsiness and a raised pain threshold).* However, a doula does not perform clinical tasks such as heart rate checks, fetal heart rate monitoring or vaginal exams. They also do not diagnose medical conditions, offer second opinions or give medical advice.

Another aspect of doula care is emotional support. A birth doula will encourage and reassure a mother and her partner, as well as facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical care providers. Labor is intense for most women and to have a calming influence standing by continuously through labor is invaluable. It enables women to relax and stay focused. Every woman and situation is unique meaning that the emotional support will change. Some women need constant cheerleading; some prefer quiet support; others need sporadic reassurance.

One of the most important characteristics of doula care is continuous support. Doctors, midwives and nurses are responsible for the medical aspects of your baby's birth. The birth doula’s complete focus is on you and your birth experience. She will remain by your side throughout the entire birth experience, maintaining a continuity of care that is seldom achieved otherwise.

While a doula provides support, they do not make decisions for a client. In order for a couple to feel empowered by their birth experience, they must make all decisions themselves with the information they have at hand. Prior to the birth, a doula will sit down with the couple during a prenatal meeting(s) to discuss their options and develop a plan for the birth. As couples have questions, the doula will assist them in obtaining information, as well as provide explanations and non-medical advice during labor. The couples will then feel they have more of a voice in their care as they make informed choices from a variety of alternatives available to them during childbirth. This is in part because the doula has the time and training to provide clarifying information to the woman regarding what her options exactly are in different situations. Furthermore, she can explain what consequences may arise, positively or otherwise, from each choice.

Some women worry that a doula will replace their partner during the birth. However, a doula is a complement to Dad, not a replacement. The partner fills a role that no one else can fill: they know the mother intimately, they love the woman and child, they are in the relationship for the long haul. But every partner has a different comfort level in terms of involvement in the birth. If the father prefers an active role, a doula can offer suggestions and guidance on how to help their loved ones. With a doula present, the partner can relax and enjoy the birth more knowing that an educated and experienced person will be there continuously to provide them both support. And practically speaking, a doula can provide back-up when Dad has to get something to eat, go to the bathroom or just take a break.

All women deserve the feeling of empowerment, pride and joy that accompanies birth. A doula will help parents learn about their choices and clarify their desires before labor. Each woman, as well as every birth, is unique. A doula will respect each family’s choices and decisions. She will provide a calm, caring and relaxing environment during labor allowing a woman and her partner to discover the beauty and inspiration of birth.

* Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth by Marshall H. Klaus, Phyllis H. Klaus, and John Kennell, Persus Press, 1993.