Frequently Asked Questions

What is a labor doula?

The term doula is Greek for slave or servant. Doulas are professionals who provide emotional and physical support during pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum (through the first breastfeeding session.) A doula does not speak for a couple or provide medical or clinical skills.

A doula provides:

Explanations of medical procedures
Emotional support
Advice during pregnancy
Exercise and physical suggestions to make pregnancy more comfortable
Help with preparation of a birth plan
Massage and other non-pharmacological pain relief measures
Positioning suggestions during labor and birth
Helps support the partner so that they can love and encourage the laboring woman
Assistance in avoiding unnecessary interventions
Help with breastfeeding preparation and the first session
A written record of the birth

Why should I hire a labor doula?

Labor Doula’s can help take the stress out of labor and delivery. They are there to “mother the mother” (and her partner) with comfort measures, education and constant support before, during and after the birth. They stay with the mom from laboring at home, until after the first breastfeeding session, while L& D nurses change with the shifts. If a non-medicated birth is desired, statistics show that doula assisted births are more successful in reducing or eliminating interventions and the unplanned use of medication for pain.

According to Mothering the Mother, How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth, by Kennell, Klaus, and Kennell (1993), having a doula can give you a:

50% reduction in cesarean rates
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in oxytocin (pitocin) use
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery

How many times will me meet?

A labor doula and prospective parents can meet as many as 6 or as few as 2 times prior to the birth. It really depends on what information needs to be covered and how much time the couple wants to devote to these prenatal sessions. The first meeting is usually a get to know each other session (generally at a coffee shop), where both the doula and the prospective parents can determine if they are a good fit.

If I am planning an epidural or c-section is a doula still needed?

Yes. With a c-section (planned or unplanned) the doula is not allowed in the surgery, however, they can be with the mom before the surgery and during recovery. Often with a c-section, the baby may need a nursery visit and the partner can stay with the baby and know that the mom is not alone. Once the baby and mom are reunited, the doula can help facilitate breastfeeding. In the case of a planned epidural, comfort measures, support for the parents-to-be and education are still very important. Usually, an epidural is not administered until the cervix is dilated to 4cm, so it is important to have a plan to address the contractions that will be felt prior to the administration of the epidural.

What is Doula Deliveries’ philosophy on being a doula?

For us, it is an honor to be invited to attend a birth. Our job is to educate the parents on all the options available and help them determine what would constitute their “perfect birth.” We do not know how labor will unfold, so flexibility is important. We try and help the birth experience be as close to the parents desires as possible and to make the experience as easeful, peaceful and enjoyable as possible.

Will my partner or spouse feel “left out” if there is a doula at the birth?

No. A doula can help engage the partner in the birth and support them. She is supportive to both the mother and her partner, and plays a crucial role in helping a partner become involved in the birth to the extent he/she feels comfortable. Often, the partner feels stress if they are the sole support person. Having a professional birth assistant who has attended numerous births helps to ease that stress and take some pressure off of the partner.

What effects does the presence of a doula have on the mother?

When a doula is present during and after childbirth, women report greater satisfaction with their birth experience, make more positive assessments of their babies, have fewer cesareans and requests for medical intervention, and less postpartum depression.

What effects does the presence of doulas have on babies?

Studies have shown that babies born with doulas present tend to have shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries, breastfeed more easily and have more affectionate mothers in the postpartum period.

Does a doula replace nursing staff?

No. Doulas do not replace nurses or other medical staff. Doulas do not perform clinical or medical tasks such as taking blood pressure or temperature, monitoring fetal heart rate, doing vaginal examinations or providing postpartum clinical care. They are there to comfort and support the mother and to enhance communication between the mother and medical professionals.

Does a doula make decisions on my behalf?

A doula does not make decisions for clients or intervene in their clinical care. She provides informational and emotional support, while respecting a woman’s decisions.

What do postpartum doulas do?

What a postpartum doula does changes from day to day, as the needs of the family change. Postpartum doulas do whatever a mother needs to best enjoy and care for her new baby. A large part of their role is education. They share information about baby care with parents, as well as teach siblings and partners to “mother the mother.” They assist with breastfeeding education. Postpartum doulas also make sure the mother is fed, well hydrated and comfortable.

How long does a postpartum doula spend with a family?

Doula support can last anywhere from one or two visits to up to six weeks depending on the family’s needs.

What hours can I expect a doula to work with my family?

The hours are really determined by the need of the family. She can work three to five hour shifts during the day, or after school shifts until Dad gets home. She can also be available to work evenings from around 6 pm until bedtime, 9 or 10 pm., and sometimes overnight.

What is the difference between a postpartum doula and a baby nurse?

The role of a postpartum doula is to help the mom through her postpartum period and to nurture the family. Unlike a baby nurse, a doula’s focus is not solely on the baby, but on fostering independence for the entire family. The doula is as available to the father and older children as to the mother and the baby. Treating the family as a unit that is connected and always changing enables doulas to do their job: nurture the family.

What is a postpartum doula’s goal?

The goal of a postpartum doula is to nurture the parents into their new roles. As they experience success and their knowledge and self-confidence grow, their needs for professional support should diminish.

How does a doula nurture the parents into their roles?

Self-confidence has a tremendous impact on a person’s ability to approach any task, and parenting is no different. The doula always considers parents’ feelings and always build confidence whenever possible. Doulas accomplish this through praise, acceptance and a non-judgmental approach. In addition, the doula will teach parents strategies and skills that will improve their ability to bond with their babies. A calm baby who is growing well will help parents to feel more confident in their skills.

Do doulas help mothers to deal with postpartum depression?

Unlike therapists or psychiatrists, doulas do not treat postpartum depression. However, they will help by creating a safe place for the mother emotionally. The doula will provide a cushioning effect by accepting the mother within each stage that she passes through. They relieve some of the pressure on the new mother by helping her move into her new responsibilities gradually. By mothering the mother, doulas make sure that the mother feels nurtured and cared for, as well as making sure she is eating well and getting enough sleep. Doulas are trained to help clients prepare themselves for parenthood, maximizing support and rest. Doulas can also help their clients to screen themselves for PPMD’s and will make referrals to appropriate clinicians or support groups as needed.

Do doulas teach a particular parenting approach?

No. Doulas are educated to support a mothers’ parenting approach. Doulas are good listeners and encourage mothers to develop their own philosophies.

How do postpartum doulas work with a mother’s partner?

A doula respects the partner’s role and input, and teaches concrete skills that will help the partner nurture the baby and mother. The doula will share evidence-based information with the partner that shows how his or her role in the early weeks will have a dramatic positive effect on the family.