.png)
justine@doulajustine.com
757-689-7985
What is a doula
doulajustine
Nurturing the New Mother
So, what is a doula?
The Greek word doula means caregiver. We now use the word to describe a trained labor and/or postpartum professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother and her partner before, during, and after childbirth.
​
​
What does a birth doula do? A birth doula...
​
... recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all of her life
​
... understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of the mother
​
... assists the mother and her partner in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
​
... stays by the side of the laboring mother throughout the entire labor
​
... provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint, and assistance to the mother in getting the information they need to make good decisions
​
... facilitates communication between the laboring mother, the partner, and clinical care providers
​
... perceives their role as one who nurtures and protects the mothers memory of her birth experience
​
​
What does a postpartum doula do? A postpartum doula...
... recognizes postpartum as an important transitional period for the expecting family and their new baby
​
... understands the physiology of postpartum recovery and the emotional needs of the mother
​
... assists the mother and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the arrival of a new baby
​
... encourages rest and relaxation for the entire family by assisting with light housework (tidying, vacuuming, etc), meal prepping, running errands, helping with infant care, providing breastfeeding support, promoting parental self care, helping with sibling adjustment, & more
​
... provides evidence-based support, referrals, and assistance to the family in getting the information they need to make confident parenting decisions
​
... facilitates bonding between the mother, the partner, and their new baby
​
... perceives their role as one who nurtures the family and fosters independence for an easier transition to parenthood
Evidence on Doula Support in Labor...
-
39% less likely to have a cesarean section
-
15% increase in spontaneous vaginal birth
-
31% less likely to use synthetic oxytocin to speed up labor
-
Decreases labor by 41 minutes on average
-
10% less likely to use pain medication
-
38% decrease in baby's risk of low five minute Apgar score
-
31% less likely to rate their childbirth experience negatively or being dissatisfied with their experience
​
(Resource: Evidence Based Birth