Childbirth Choices :: Choosing a Doula
What is a Doula? | Doula Research | TBN Doulas
Today, expectant families have the option of hiring a doula, or professional support person, to assist them during their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. A doula helps both the mother and her partner (whether the partner is the baby's father, grandparent, friend, or female partner) to face birth and the postpartum period with confidence, joy, and coping skills. There are two different types of doulas: birth doulas, who assist couples during the labor and birth itself; and postpartum doulas, who visit the new family for several days, weeks, or even months after the birth of a new baby to assist in the transition to parenthood. Couples can hire a doula for both the birth and postpartum period, or for one or the other.
Studies show that a doula's continuous presence at birth has an enormous impact on outcomes, including lower cesarean rates, less need for pain medication, shorter labors, improved Apgar scores and increased parental satisfaction with the birth experience.
As Dr. John Kennell, noted pediatrician and one of the founders of DONA International, has said, "If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it."
For more information on Doula care during pregnancy, please visit the following sites: