What's A Doula?

This is the question I found myself asking when someone brought up that they would be using a doula for her delivery.  I had seriously never heard of  a doula. I am going to guess I'm not the only one this applies to.  Again, I turned to The Business of Being Born film for a general education on the topic. 

A doula is someone who offers physical and emotional support to a woman and her family before and during labor as well as immediately following birth.  What does that mean?  A doula uses comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation and positioning.  A doula also provides information and reassures the mother and her partner (1).  A doula doesn't take the place of a healthcare provider.  doula's are different from labor and delivery nurses because you are the only person they are taking care of during your labor and delivery, they are focused only on you. 

How do you pick a doula, and when should you pick a doula?  It is recommended that you have your doula chosen by the end of your second trimester.    According to doula association DONA, it is best to speak with several doula's to find the best fit for you.  DONA recommends asking questions about the doula's training and background as well as his/her experience.  Another important question is about their fee schedule.  They might not be as expensive as you think!  For additional interview questions, visit this website.

Do a quick search for doula's in the Des Moines area, and you will find there are many available.  DONA has a search engine on their website to find local doula's.   

There are many benefits to having a doula at your side during labor and delivery.  Women who work with a doula are 40% less likely to have a cesarean section according to the American Journal of Public Health. 

In 2006, a study was conducted of women's childbirth experiences. The study found that only 3% of woman in the United States had a doula attend the birth of their child (2).  A 2012 study of 2,400 women who delivered a single baby in U.S. hospitals between 2011 and 2012 concluded that 6% of women had a doula attend their birth.  Another 27% of women from the same study indicated they didn't have a doula, but wanted one (3).  The studies indicate the number of women using a doula as part of their birth team is on the rise in the United States.  

As a final note, here are a few things that doula's don't do.  Doula's are not medical professionals and do not perform medical tasks such as vaginal exams.  Doula's do not deliver babies, and doula's do not change shifts.  They are also not intended to take over the role of your partner in the birthing experience. 

1. http://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/
2. http://www.childbirthconnection.org/pdfs/LTMII_report.pdf
3. http://www.ajmc.com/journals/issue/2014/2014-vol20-n8/potential-benefits-of-increased-access-to-doula-support-during-childbirth


-N