What is a doula?

The word doula is an ancient Greek term that translates to “caregiver.” A doula is a trained professional with expertise in providing compassionate and nonjudgmental support for people throughout their reproductive experiences. They have the ability to provide comfort with pain-relief techniques including breathing techniques, relaxation techniques, massage, and laboring positions. Doulas also encourage participation from the partner and offer reassurance.

A doula acts as an advocate for the birthing person, encouraging and helping them fulfill specific desires they might have for their birth. The goal of a doula is to help the birthing person experience a positive and safe birth, whether an unmedicated birth, cesarean, or anything in between.

What is a full-spectrum doula?

While doulas most commonly provide labor support during the childbirth process and specialized support in the postpartum period, full spectrum doulas has joined a growing movement that is expanding the concept of doula care in order to meet people’s needs across the full spectrum of pregnancy decisions, experiences and outcomes. This can also include abortion and death doula support.

What are the statistical benefits of hiring a doula?

Numerous studies have documented the benefits of having a doula present during labor. A recent Cochrane Review, Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth, showed a very high number of positive birth outcomes when a doula was present. With their support, women were less likely to have pain-relief medications administered and less likely to have a cesarean birth. Women also reported having a more positive childbirth experience.

Other studies have shown that having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40%, and requests for an epidural by 60%.

What about the partner’s role when hiring a doula?

The role of the doula is never to take the place of husbands or partners in labor, but rather to complement and enhance their experience. Today, more partners play an active role in the birth process. However, some partners prefer to enjoy the delivery without having to stand in as the sole labor coach.

By having a doula as a part of the birth team, a partner is free to do whatever they choose. They can encourage the partner to use comfort techniques that the doula has taught them, and can step in if they want a break. Having a doula allows the partner to support their birthing partner emotionally during labor and birth and to also enjoy the experience without the added pressure of holding many different techniques and information in their heads.

All statistics and quoted information can be found at americanpregnancy.org as well as fullspectrumdoulas.org