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The term “doula” has its origins in Ancient Greece, and it refers to a woman that is trained and has experience in assisting a woman through labour. The role of a doula is to support a woman in labour, wherever she chooses to give birth – a hospital, at home, or in a birthing centre. They provide continuous physical, emotional, and education support from when a woman is pregnant, to birth, and after birth, when the baby is brought home. It is important to note that a doula is not a midwife, nurse, or medical practitioner. They do not provide medical, nursing, midwifery or therapeutic care, nor will they comment on, interpret, or judge the care that is provided. They are there in a purely advisory and supportive capacity.
The Benefits of Having a Doula
Engaging the services of a doula can make a massive difference to your pregnancy and birth. Studies have shown that doulas can result in:
- a 50 percent decrease in the need for a cesarean delivery
- a 25 percent decrease in the length of labour for first time mothers
- a 60 percent decrease in epidural request
- a 40 percent decrease in artificial oxytocin use
- a 30 percent decrease in forceps use
- a decrease in the use of pain relief medications
Doulas are also able to provide:
- professional care and assistance at any time
- access to resources and information so that people are able to make informed choices about their pregnancy, labour, and childbirth
- referrals to classes such as ante natal fitness, birth preparation, lactation classes, pregnancy yoga, and also to pregnancy massage services
- assistance in preparing for the birth such as creating a birth plan or a plan of action
- post-natal support with breastfeeding or referral to a lactation consultant
- support for the father
- general support and care when the baby is first brought home
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