Labor Doulas: definition & benefits

Parents in our area are becoming increasingly familiar with Labor Doulas, as many expectant parents are calling upon the services of a Doula for their own birth.  This page is to provide a little extra information for those who may not yet be familiar with what a Doula is, and what a Doula provides to birthing families.

The term "Doula" comes from a Greek word meaning "woman servant."  In relation to labor support, a Doula is a supportive companion other than a loved one, who is trained and experienced in childbirth.  A Labor Doula provides continuous and uninterrupted emotional, physical and informational support to laboring women and couples.  While the term and practice may be relatively new to today's generation here in the United States, the concept of a woman in labor being served by other women is a timeless and universal one.

A Labor Doula...

• understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor;
• assists the woman and her partner in creating and carrying out a birth plan;
• stays by the woman's side throughout the entire labor and provides reassurance to the woman/couple;
• provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and suggestions for labor progress;
• provides an objective perspective and information/options for the woman to make informed decisions in the event of unforeseen developments;
• acts as an advocate for the woman and her wishes and goals, and facilitates communication between the woman/couple and clinical care providers as needed;
• works with the woman's birth partner to help the mother, and gives support or suggestions to the partner as needed.
• recognizes birth as a natural and key life experience that the mother will remember all her life;
• views her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience.

A Labor Doula does not...

• perform any clinical tasks;
• provide any medical advice;
• make decisions for the couple or speak to the clinical staff on the couple's behalf regarding their decision(s);
• replace the baby's father/birth partner in his/her role.

• a reduction in the use of epidurals and analgesia
• a reduction in oxytocin augmentation
• a reduction in forceps and vacuum extractor use
• a reduction in cesarean births
• a reduction in medical costs
• a reduction in length of labor and occurrences of complications
• a reduction in postpartum depression
• greater satisfaction with the birth experience
• facilitated bonding with the newborn

* above information adapted from DONA International's "Intro to Labor Support/What Is a Doula" and Standards of Practice, and www.dona.org

"Given the clear benefits and no known risks associated with intrapartum support, every effort should be made to ensure all labouring women receive support, not only from those close to them but also from specially trained caregivers. This support should include continuous presence, the provision of hands-on comfort, and encouragement."

      - Hodnett, E.D. Support from caregivers during childbirth (Cochrane Review) in Cochrane Library, Issue 2. Oxford Update Software, 1998. Updated Quarterly.

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trinity childbirth services - robyn@trinitybirth.com - 603.585.6726