What Is a Doula?

Doulas provide labour support, postpartum support, or both.  Labour support consists of emotional and physical guidance (including comfort techniques such as massage, acupressure, and hydrotherapy) as well as informational guidance. A doula does not replace the labouring woman’s partner but frees him/her to be and do what they are most comfortable with.

Although every expectant family can benefit from the support of a doula, some areas where a birth doula may be particularly helpful are:

• Women planning a vaginal birth after a caesarean (VBAC)
• Women wanting to avoid medication and medical interventions
• Women having a home birth
• Women diagnosed as having a high risk pregnancy
• Women desiring midwifery care but unable to obtain it due to availability
• Women without partners

Studies have shown the use of a doula during labour and delivery can have the following beneficial effects:

• 50% reduction in the caesarean rate
• 25% shorter labour
• 50% reduction in epidural requests
• 40% reduction in oxytocin use
• 30% reduction in analgesia use
• 40% reduction in forceps delivery

• Improved breastfeeding
• Increased time spent with baby
• Increased maternal satisfaction with the birth experience
• Decreased postpartum depression 

(Klaus, Kennell and Klaus in Mothering the Mother)

Dads and Doulas

Many dads are hesitant to have a doula present, feeling that the doula will replace them in their support role.  However, doulas work with a couple to provide them both with support and encouragement during labour.  Doulas can show dads techniques to best help the mother, as well as encourage the father to participate at whatever level he feels comfortable

It is often difficult for a father to see their partner in pain. In this intense emotional experience, a doulas expertise and training may be of tremendous help to both parents-to-be.  A doula can provide assurance, encouragement, and support - when both mother and father need it most.