ABOUT DOULAS
"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it" - Dr Marshall Klaus
The word doula, pronounced "doo-lah", comes from modern Greek meaning ‘servant-woman, slave’, but today, the word has come to mean being an unconditional and continuous support for a person during pregnancy, birth and the early days with a new baby.
Since the beginning of time, a pregnant person would be supported by other's in their 'tribe', maybe other women or role model. The community would come together to give practical hands on help and emotional support. For many reasons, this 'village' is not present today. Having a doula can bring companionship, someone who is not emotionally involved, a caregiver who is there to take care of you. Doula’s are not there to replace a partner or birth companion, but to hold and protect the birth space and be a constant, impartial support.
Since the beginning of time, a pregnant person would be supported by other's in their 'tribe', maybe other women or role model. The community would come together to give practical hands on help and emotional support. For many reasons, this 'village' is not present today. Having a doula can bring companionship, someone who is not emotionally involved, a caregiver who is there to take care of you. Doula’s are not there to replace a partner or birth companion, but to hold and protect the birth space and be a constant, impartial support.
WHAT DOULA'S DO
Doulas provide continuity of care and there is growing evidence that having a doula brings a number of tangible benefits, from reducing intervention rates, shortening labour to increasing birth satisfaction for parents. While this research is important, it’s the less tangible benefits of having a non-judgemental companion during a life-altering event that most people remember and value. Doulas provide continuous support through pregnancy, birth and the immediate postnatal time, as well as providing flexible, practical and emotional support postnatally. Doulas do not take a clinical role and work alongside midwives and doctors. Doula's do not give advice, but instead, provide balanced information, for you to make informed decisions throughout your journey.
BENEFITS OF HAVING A DOULA
There is evidence to show that having a doula can mean:
Reduced risk of Caesarean birth † *
Reduced risk of instrumental birth † *
Reduced need for painkillers or epidural during birth † *
Reduced rate of induction of labour † *
Shorter labour †
Increased parental satisfaction with the birth experience †
Increased likelihood of initiating breastfeeding *
Increased likelihood of successfully establishing breastfeeding & breastfeeding at 6 weeks *
* Brigstocke S. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, vol 24, no 2, 2014, pp 157-160
† Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr G, Sakala C. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub5
This information has been sourced from Doula UK where you can find more evidence based research and information on doulas.
Doulas provide continuity of care and there is growing evidence that having a doula brings a number of tangible benefits, from reducing intervention rates, shortening labour to increasing birth satisfaction for parents. While this research is important, it’s the less tangible benefits of having a non-judgemental companion during a life-altering event that most people remember and value. Doulas provide continuous support through pregnancy, birth and the immediate postnatal time, as well as providing flexible, practical and emotional support postnatally. Doulas do not take a clinical role and work alongside midwives and doctors. Doula's do not give advice, but instead, provide balanced information, for you to make informed decisions throughout your journey.
BENEFITS OF HAVING A DOULA
There is evidence to show that having a doula can mean:
Reduced risk of Caesarean birth † *
Reduced risk of instrumental birth † *
Reduced need for painkillers or epidural during birth † *
Reduced rate of induction of labour † *
Shorter labour †
Increased parental satisfaction with the birth experience †
Increased likelihood of initiating breastfeeding *
Increased likelihood of successfully establishing breastfeeding & breastfeeding at 6 weeks *
* Brigstocke S. MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, vol 24, no 2, 2014, pp 157-160
† Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr G, Sakala C. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2013, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub5
This information has been sourced from Doula UK where you can find more evidence based research and information on doulas.
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I live in Falmouth but cover West Cornwall, from Lands End to Launceston and in between! I also cover some of North Cornwall.
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