Doula and Childbirth Education
What is a doula?
Definition: noun A person trained to assist another person during childbirth and who may support the family after the baby is born.
The word doula comes from ancient Greek, meaning "a woman who serves." The term now refers to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, informational, objective, and solution-focused support to the person giving birth before, during, and just after or during the postpartum period.
Research shows that continuous support during labor improves outcomes for birthing persons and infants, including:
* Reduced inductions
* Shorter duration of labor
* Decreased cesarean birth
* Greater maternal satisfaction with the childbirth experience
Birth Doulas offer continuous physical, emotional, and spiritual labor support in the form of:
Practical support:
* Birth mentoring
* Providing evidence-based information
* Education and knowledge of alternatives
* Birthing resources
* Preparing for postpartum
Physical support:
* Massage, counter pressure, and/or hip squeezes
* Hot/cold therapy
* Water therapy
* Suggested position changes to progress labor
* Use of labor props (birth & peanut balls, oils/aromatherapy, rebozo, comb, fan)
Emotional and spiritual support:
* Relaxation techniques
* Rhythmic breathing
* Guided visualizations
* Rituals
* Unwavering non-judgemental support
* Holding space for a birthing person to step into their own power