Benefits of Hiring a Doula
A doula is a non-medical professional who provides continuous
labor support. Typically, when you hire a doula you will meet with
her twice prenatally to get to know her and for her to learn your
preferences. She will be on call for you during your labor, and
will come when you need her. Usually a postpartum follow-up
appointment is included as well. Because obstetricians and
nurse-midwives do not typically provide continuous labor support, it is
important to have a doula there for you during this time. What a
doula will do during labor varies widely and is dependent upon what you
need at the time.
One study found that having a doula reducee a mother's risk of cesarean
section by 50%, shortened labor by 25%, and reduced requests for
epidurals by 60%. There was also a 40% reduction in the use of
Pitocin (a synthetic hormone used to speed labor) and a 40% reduction in
the use of forceps. Maternal satisfaction is also higher when a
doula is involved in the labor.
Read about our individual doulas in the menu above, under "Our Doulas."