What is at Doula?

• Greek word meaning woman caregiver, now used to identify a woman supporting another woman in childbirth and postpartum
• Doulas gain experience at each birth they attend as well as through certification programs, conferences, advanced trainings, etc
• “Doulas serve to protect and nurture the mother’s memory of birth” Penny Simkin

Benefits of a Doula

• 12 randomized trials across wide range of settings showed benefits of having doula in hospital
• Reduction of epidurals by 35%
• Reduction in pitocin use by 71%
• Reduction of cesarean sections by 51%
• Reduction in length of labor by ave. 1.5 hrs
• According to 2002 Study, Listening to Mothers (full study at www.maternitywise.org)
• 49% of vaginal births attempted had induced
• 29% had Doctor or midwife at delivery they had never met
• Doulas received highest rating in terms of labor support yet only used by 5% of respondents
• 1 in 3 Mothers had limited/no understanding about the drugs/interventions used in her labor
• “If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it” Dr. John Kennell

What does a doula do?

• Continuous support during labor and the immediate postpartum
• Emotional support, physical comfort measures, resource of information
• Provides reassurance to both mother and partner about normal course of labor
• Can act as a sounding board when couple is faced with variation or complication in their labor
• Doulas do not perform any medical tasks such as blood pressure check, vaginal exams, etc
• Doulas do not take the place of your partner, but compliment it

How to find a Doula

• DONA (Doulas of North America) www.dona.com
• CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professionals Association) www.cappa.net
• Childbirth International www.childbirthinternational.com
• Check with your Doctor/midwife/hospital/childbirth educator/ LLL
• Visit www.BloomingBellys.com to hire Karina as your Doula
• Recommendation from friends who wanted same type of birth