"Women's bodies have their own wisdom, and a system of birth
refined over 100,000 generations is not so easily overpowered."
- Sarah Buckley
"To treat motherhood as something that just happens denies a woman's participation in conception, her decision to carry a child to term, her nurturing and sacrifice for nine months, and the labour of birthing."
- Catherine MacKinnon
The term doula is derived from an ancient Greek term meaning 'woman of service'. Although a lot of doulas still use this term some prefer 'labour supporter'. Throughout history labouring women have turned to other women for support during this transitional and beautiful time.
Doulas are trained to help women experience safer, easier and emotionally fulfilling labours and deliveries. Our goal is to allow women to experience childbirth as an empowering and positive experience.
A doula:
- understands the physiology of birth and recognizes the emotional needs of a woman in labour
- assists the woman and her partner in carrying out their birth plan
- provides a calm support system to the woman and her partner throughout labour and delivery
- provides emotional support and physical comfort measures
- facilitates communication between parents and clinical staff if necessary
- offers non-medicated forms of pain relief such as massage and knowledge in breathing and labour positions
The following is a summary of the benefits of a doula:
50% reduction in the cesarean rate
25% shorter labor
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in oxytocin use
30% reduction in analgesia use
40% reduction in forceps delivery
Information was obtained from Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter Easier and Healthier Birth, Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993)