The word doula comes from the Greek and means "woman servant." In the past, this servant would attend the woman of the house during her labor and birth. Today, a doula is a professional birth assistant. A doula provides continuous emotional and physical support for the mom during labor and birth and in the immediate postpartum period. While the hospital changes staff, the doula is there through it all.  

For more information on doulas and the services they provide, see the CAPPA Position Paper: Evidence Based Labor Doula Care.

As a labor doula, I:

• Support decisions made by the mom
• Provide continuous support for the laboring mom and her support person
• Help mom's support person with techniques that can help mom during labor
• Provide information
• Encourage informed consent
• Work with, not against, the medical team

 As a labor doula, I do NOT: 

• Make decisions for the mom
• Perform medical procedures or clinical assessments
• Give medical advice
• Take the place of the mom's partner or other support person
• Take the place of the medical team

Studies have shown that women who have doula support during labor and birth have a more positive and satisfying birth experience and:

• 50% reduction in c-section rate
• 25% shorter labor
• 60% reduction in epidural requests
• 30% reduction in use of narcotic pain medications
• 40% reduction in Pitocin use
• 40% reduction in use of pain medications
• 30% reduction in instrumental deliveries
• Fewer episiotomies (60%)
• Reduction in health complications and hospitalizations for baby
• An increase in successful bonding and mother-infant interaction
• Increased chances of a successful breastfeeding relationship
• Reduced levels of anxiety in mom
• A reduction in the incidence of postpartum depression
• Increased satisfaction with the birth experience

Click HERE to read about the services I provide as a doula.