What is a birth doula?
A birth doula is a person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical,
emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth. She offers
massage, suggestions for position changes, and relaxation techniques.
What effects does the presence of a doula have on birth outcomes?
Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:
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 do 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 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.
Will a doula make my partner feel unnecessary?
No, a doula 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.
"A doula cannot and does not try to take over your role as the birth partner, because you know the mother
better and love her and the baby as no one else does. But there are many times when a woman needs more
than one helper in labor, and when her partner needs reassurance, advice and help." ~ The Birth Partner
*Information on this page can be found on the DONA International website.*
A birth doula is a person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical,
emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth. She offers
massage, suggestions for position changes, and relaxation techniques.
What effects does the presence of a doula have on birth outcomes?
Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:
- tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
- reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
- reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction
- reduces the requests for pain medication and epidurals, as well as the incidence of cesareans
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 do 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 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.
Will a doula make my partner feel unnecessary?
No, a doula 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.
"A doula cannot and does not try to take over your role as the birth partner, because you know the mother
better and love her and the baby as no one else does. But there are many times when a woman needs more
than one helper in labor, and when her partner needs reassurance, advice and help." ~ The Birth Partner
*Information on this page can be found on the DONA International website.*
