A birth doula is a birth professional who helps a woman before, during and after birth. A doula does not provide medical care in any form. Therefore, there are no federal or state requirements on certification. A doula works for the client, but also cooperates with the mother’s doctor or midwife. You do not need to be a mother yourself, nor have a medical background to become a doula—just a passion for birth and the desire to support families through the process.
A typical birth doula will provide:
Support before birth: This will usually consist of at least one prenatal visit where she may provide some basic education, support, referrals, comfort measure techniques, and help with birth planning. It is also a time to get to know the family and understand their desires for birth, and the role that they have envisioned for their doula.
Support during birth: A doula provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the birthing mom and her partner/family etc. This support has been proven to significantly lower many birth interventions, such as cesarean sections, use of medications, etc. Furthermore, women have shorter labors and express greater satisfaction with their birth experiences, their partners, and have healthier baby’s! Research shows the presence of a doula can:
Decrease the cesarean section rate by 51%
Decrease the length of labor by 25%
Decrease pitocin use by 71%
Decrease the use of epidurals by 60%
Decrease the use of forceps by 57%
(Source: Mothering the Mother by Klaus, Kennel and Klaus)
Support after birth: After birth the doula provides an in-home visit to provide to help ease the transition into motherhood. She may help with household tasks, and provide support and resources when needed.
A typical birth doula will provide:
Support before birth: This will usually consist of at least one prenatal visit where she may provide some basic education, support, referrals, comfort measure techniques, and help with birth planning. It is also a time to get to know the family and understand their desires for birth, and the role that they have envisioned for their doula.
Support during birth: A doula provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the birthing mom and her partner/family etc. This support has been proven to significantly lower many birth interventions, such as cesarean sections, use of medications, etc. Furthermore, women have shorter labors and express greater satisfaction with their birth experiences, their partners, and have healthier baby’s! Research shows the presence of a doula can:
Decrease the cesarean section rate by 51%
Decrease the length of labor by 25%
Decrease pitocin use by 71%
Decrease the use of epidurals by 60%
Decrease the use of forceps by 57%
(Source: Mothering the Mother by Klaus, Kennel and Klaus)
Support after birth: After birth the doula provides an in-home visit to provide to help ease the transition into motherhood. She may help with household tasks, and provide support and resources when needed.