What does a doula do?

A birth doula offers continuous physical and emotional support to a mother in labor. Physical birth support includes using gentle touch like counter pressure and massage for pain relief, keeping the mother warm or cold based on her preference, offering food or drink if needed. Emotional support from a doula means creating a calm environment with a quiet voice of encouragement and praise, continuous presence at the time of birth, helping the mother to focus and carry on through her birth, and maintaining a peaceful birth environment if unexpected changes in the birth plan arise.

Doulas also act as an advocate and educator informing mothers about what to expect during pregnancy, recommending evidence-based resources about pregnancy and birth options. Doulas also help fathers understand expectations and procedures during pregnancy and labor.

Doulas do not perform medical procedures, cervical checks, assess vital signs, deliver babies, or make medical decisions for the mother or baby.

Why should I use a doula?

Having continuous labor support from a doula has been shown to significantly improve birth outcomes. In a 2017 study of over 16,000 women (cited at the link below), those who used a doula during their birth experienced a decreased risk of Cesarean section, decreased use of any pain relieving medications, shorter labors, decrease risk of a low 5 minute Apgar score, and increased satisfaction with the birth process as a whole.

Doulas facilitate a peaceful and calm environment during birth, and help a birthing mother and her partner to actively participate in their birth as opposed to passively being “delivered” of their baby.

For more information about the scientific evidence that supports the presence of a doula, see Evidence for Doulas.

What is natural birth and who can have one?

A natural, or unmedicated, childbirth usually means a spontaneous vaginal birth in which the mother chooses not to have any pain medication administered to her. Natural childbirths can take place in any setting: hospital, birth center, or at home. Anyone can have a natural childbirth, including first time mothers, mothers with previous Cesareans (with a supportive medical provider), and mothers who have experienced painful or traumatic births in the past.

Why would someone choose natural birth?

Since birth is often referred to and depicted as painful and unnatural, many people wonder why someone would choose a natural childbirth. Women may want to choose a natural childbirth because

• They want to be actively engaged and involved in bringing their baby into the world and give a strong sense of purpose and meaning to their birth

• They want to avoid the negative side effects of pain medication during childbirth

• They want the freedom of physical movement that is not readily available to those who receive pain medication

• They want to experience birth as it has occurred for humans for thousands of years

Can I use a doula if I plan on having a medicated birth?

Absolutely! Anyone in any birth setting can use a doula. The priority of a doula is to uphold the mother’s agenda and wishes. A doula should never persuade or influence a mother’s decision about medical interventions, birth setting, or choice of pain relief techniques. All births are miraculous and should be celebrated as such: unmedicated, medicated, or cesarean.

You can still have a doula even if you have a planned cesarean birth! In our practice, Sara has received specialized training and credentials at Saint Thomas Midtown to attend cesarean births as a doula.

When should I contact a doula for my birth?

You can contact a doula at any time in your pregnancy. Most people hire a doula around the half-way mark of their pregnancy. It is a good idea to interview a few different doulas to make sure you are hiring the one who feels right for your family.

What is your care plan as a doula?

We feel passionate about peaceful birth for all. A peaceful birth begins with a peaceful pregnancy no matter your symptoms or diagnoses. Our care plan as birth doulas is to offer support during pregnancy through private childbirth education, availability for contact throughout your pregnancy, and resource referrals for evidence-based information about pregnancy and birth. During labor, we offer continuous physical and emotional support. We bring with us to every birth a bag that includes natural massage oils, a fan, a cooling rag, honey sticks and snacks (for mom and dad), a heating pad, and a positive attitude.