The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek word for slave.  A doula was the highest ranking female servant in the household.  When her mistress would labor the doula would attend to her in the role of comforter and support.  

A doula provides physical, emotional and informational support.  It is important to clarify that a doula is not a midwife and does not deliver the baby nor does she perform any clinical tasks.  Providing cervical exams, blood pressure checks, or checking fetal heart tones is not within the scope of a doula's expertise. 

  Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits to having a doula?

According to information obtained from Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help   You Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth, Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993) having a doula provides a:

50% reduction in the cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in oxytocin use
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery
 

My partner will be with me.  Why should we consider having a doula?

Partners are often unprepared for childbirth.  Taking classes, watching some movies, and reading a few books often aren't enough, especially when things deviate from what was expected.  A doula brings her extensive training, experience, and fresh perspective in order to provide you and your partner support.

My husband and I wanted the birth of our baby to be intimate with just he and I.  Won't a doula interfere with his role?

As mentioned above, husbands often feel unprepared and inadequate during labor and birth.  A doula can actually enhance the birth experience.  The husband (or partner) can concentrate on being loving and emotionally supportive instead of trying to remember how to provide labor support.  The doula can suggest ways that he can assist and participate, making the experience much more relaxing for both parties.

Do I need a doula since the nurses at the hospital will be there to help me?

We are in the middle of one of the largest nursing shortages in history.  Many women are under the impression that they will be getting one-on-one care from their nurse during their entire labor.  In many hospitals, nurses are tending to several patients at once and are only able to provide  one on one care during the pushing stage.  A doula can provide labor support while the nurse provides medical care.  In those rare instances when there is a one-to-one ratio the nurse is often responsible for filling out paperwork and/or isn't trained in labor support techniques.    

Aren't women who want natural childbirth the only people that hire doulas?

A doula supports your choices in childbirth be it planned epidural, planned caesarian section, VBAC or unmedicated non-interventive birth.  Research shows a woman is more likely to have an unmedicated childbirth, if that is her desire, with the assistance of a doula but doulas also are valuable serving women who intend to have epidurals. 

Will a doula stop me from getting an epidural if I change my mind?

During your prenatal sessions, you and your doula will get to know each other and discuss your preferences in depth.  A doula cannot stop you from getting any medication that you wish or agree to consent to.  Again, a doula supports your choices and your birth philosophy. 

Will my doula leave me if I get an epidural?

Your doula has agreed to provide you with labor support until the birth of your baby or for a contracted amount of time.  An epidural doesn't mean that you still can't benefit from labor support, especially during the pushing stage.

Will my insurance company pay for a doula?

Many insurance companies are realizing the benefits to having a doula but at this time limit that coverage to third-party reimbursement.  Your doula can provide you with a third-party reimbursement form for you to send into your insurance company.  For those of you who do not have doula care as a covered benefit, it is important that you contact your health insurance company in writing and tell them how your doula helped you in order for them to consider such an important service.      

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