Value of a Doula

“With the Birth of a Baby, there is also the Birth of a Mother”

As a doula, it was such an honour to celebrate women in their role as mothers and to welcome beautiful babies into the world.
When I share my birth story, I often catch myself saying, I couldn’t have done it without her referring to my fantastic doula. Of course, women are more than capable of birthing on their own. Yet, focused support in the intense moments of birth truly make all the difference. Ask any women who’s had a doula at her side.
Doula is Greek word, that means mothering the mother.
Essentially, a doula is a labour support person; guiding and giving support emotionally and physically during the all states of labour. Most often, a doula offers support throughout the pregnancy, with prenatal visits to answer questions, understand birth preferences, provide resources and postpartum support once the baby arrives.
Many women who hire a doula for their delivery are very impressed and pleased with their experience. Doulas have such a great track record, that there are in fact studies which prove birthing with a doula can be safer than birthing on your own.
Doula Support Statistics:
30% less use of narcotics
30% decrease use of forceps
40% decrease use of pitocin
50% decrease in cesarean birth
60% decrease use of epidurals
Simply put ~ doulas make birth better.
Hiring a doula also takes some of the stress off the father or partner to be the only support person for the entire labour. Each parent gets to experience the birth in their own, unique way. Important to note, that of course, doula’s do not replace the support partners can offer. Doula’s are there to offer the mother support and enhance a great birth experience, for both mom and dad.