What is a Doula?

"Doula" is a Greek word which has come to mean a woman who helps other women, offering continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and after childbirth.

Why Choose a Doula?

Hospital staff are busy and focus on the medical aspects of birth as well as endless paperwork. The Doula’s role is entirely non-medical. She offers continuous emotional and physical support to her client and will stay for the duration of the labor, whether it lasts for 3 hours or 30 hours. Because of her education and training, she can also offer informational support about procedures and options. This enables the woman to make choices that are best for her and suit her needs.

Studies have shown that the key to an empowering birth experience does not depend on how easy or difficult the labor was, but rather on how the woman is treated by her support team.

There are now more than 16 published, randomized, controlled studies including more than 5,000 women which examine how continuous emotional and physical support in labor decrease the length of labor, the need for pain medication, epidurals and other obstetric interventions. For more information about these studies, refer to “The Doula Book” by Marshall H Klaus, M.D., John H Kennell, M.D., and Phyllis H Klaus, C.S.W., M.F.T.

The Nature of Doula Support

A Doula recognizes that every woman comes to labor with a different set of life experiences, coping mechanisms and attitudes. So the Doula is adaptable and resourceful to meet the different needs of each woman. Doula support is, by its very definition, personalized. The Doula’s role is to support a woman who has made informed choices and empower her to feel in control of the decision making process.

 
Doulas and Dads

Doulas are not a replacement for the special support dads or partners provide. They supplement and nurture this role by encouraging participation of dads and partners at their own comfort level. Doulas provide reassurance and perspective to both the laboring woman and her partner. We would be happy to send you the brochure, “Doulas and Dads,” which provides more detail about the unique support dads and partners can provide in conjunction with a Doula.

Back-up Support

Since babies most often pick their own date and sometimes neglect to tell Mom or anyone else, it is vital that your Doula is available around the estimated birthdate. It is also important to have a backup Doula.

 

The Training of a Doula

Doulas are knowledgeable about the basic physiological, psychological and emotional changes during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the early postpartum period. Training includes how to support women in several variations of normal labor as well as more complicated labors. Doulas are trained in massage, breathing and other comfort measures to help cope with labor. Doulas develop their empathic listening skills with a non-judgmental and open heart. For more information on “How to become a Doula”, go to www.dona.org or cantact Penny Bussell Stansfield at doula@usa.net or see her website at www.pennydoula.com.

Penny was affiliated with Hillsborough Massage Therapy for over eight years and we highly recommend her advice!

Penny is a DONA (Doulas of North America) International Certified Doula Trainer. She teaches several one-day introductory and multi-day certificate classes per year throughout the country. There is usually a class nearby. After your training, you will become a “Doula-In-Training,” and can continue towards full certification as a DONA Certified Doula.