Doula

After the birth of my second baby I felt so empowered by my birth experience that I had an overwhelming urge to share the experience with as many women as possible. I enrolled for the Doula training course offered by the Institute for Perinatal Education which provided me with the knowledge and understanding of the biological and medical processes involved in labour and obstetrics, as well as the practical experience to have witnessed and taken part in several deliveries under the supervision of a midwives or gynaecologist.

I am a qualified birth companion (Doula) and am committed to empower, educate and nurture women during their pregnancy and birth so that they may be left with a positive and memorable experience.

What is a Doula?

A Doula is a Greek word meaning "woman who helps women". These are women who offer continual and uninterrupted emotional, physical and informational support to labouring woman in the form of comfort, reassurance and gentle touch. Doulas usually stay with the mother throughout labour, constantly assessing and responding to her needs offering advice on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning.

Doulas specialise in non medical skills and do not perform clinical or medical tasks such as vaginal examinations or foetal heart rate monitoring. They thus do not take the place of the doctor or midwife, but rather assist the medical team by taking care of the women’s emotional needs and comfort.

Each person involved in the care of the labouring woman contributes to her emotional well-being. However, doctors, nurses, and midwives are primarily responsible for the health and well-being of the mother and baby. Medical care providers must assess the condition of the mother and foetus, diagnose and treat complications as they arise, and focus on a safe delivery of the baby. These priorities rightly take precedence over the non-medical psycho-social needs of labouring women. The Doula helps ensure that these needs are met while enhancing communication and understanding between the woman or couple and the staff. Many doctors, midwives and nurses appreciate the extra attention given to their patients and the greater satisfaction expressed by women who were assisted by a Doula.

Why do you need a Doula?

A worldwide study, involving more than 1500 women, found that mothers who received Doula support were the ones with the shortest labours. Other benefits found in this study include:

greater than 50% drop in caesarean births.
30% reduction in the mother's need for medication.
60% reduction in epidural requests.
40% reduction in forceps delivery.

What I will do for you as a Doula?

Recognise childbirth as a key life experience that you the mother will remember all your life
I understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labour
Assist you and your partner in preparing for and carrying out your plans for the birth
Provide emotional support, physical comfort measures, and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping you gain access to the information needed to make good decisions
Facilitate communication between you, your partner, and medical care providers.
Nurture and protect the memory of your birth experience

Beyond Labour: Benefits to mother and baby after birth

The benefits of Doula support do not end after the labour and birth. Worldwide research shows:

Better attachment and bonding between mother and baby
Reduced need for medical intervention
Reduced incidence of post partum depression.
Improved mother and baby well-being.
Positive feelings about labour and birth.

Doulas are becoming increasingly visible and important in labour wards because of the positive effect that they have on all who are involved in the birth process. Every woman ought to have a positive and memorable birth experience. Having a Doula with you during your labour and birth will help you to have the birth experience you deserve.