Becki Britt, CD(DONA)
Partners in Childbirth
As a practicing doula, I would like to take this opportunity
to explain what a doula is and what a doula does.
What a Doula is A doula is a professional labor assistant. She is a woman experienced in the
birth process, who is willing to accompany birthing families and provide
continuous, uninterrupted physical, educational and emotional support.
Professional doulas attend a certification process and are nationally recognized
with organizations such as DONA. A birth doula...
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recognizes childbirth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life |
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understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor |
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assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth |
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stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor |
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provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make good decisions |
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facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and clinical care providers |
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perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman’s memory of her birth experiences |
What a Doula does
A doula provides continuity through prenatal visits and education, continuous support during the birth and postpartum, support for breastfeeding and newborn care. During labor, a doula will give verbal support and encouragement and provide non-medical comfort techniques. She also helps the woman have a better understanding of what her body is capable of throughout pregnancy and birth and helps preserve the woman's birth memories.
What a Doula does not do
A doula does not deliver babies or give medical advice. She does not tell women how to birth or take over the role of the father. She does not take the place of medical personnel or provide medical care in any way. She does not interfere with the birth process, medical procedures or the advice of the caregiver. On the contrary, doulas usually make treating a patient easier by assisting in communication and recognizing obstacles through her unique relationship with the birthing family.
Doula studies
Research studies conducted reveal women who utilize the services of a doula have
| 50% fewer Cesarean births |
| 25-50% shorter labors |
| 60% fewer epidural requests |
| 40% reduction in use of Pitocin |
| 30% reduction in use of pain medication (Demerol, etc.) |
| 40% reduction in forceps delivery |
These statistics are taken from Mothering the Mother: How a doula can help you have a shorter, easier, and healthier birth, by Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (1993)
Babies are also healthier and breastfeed more easily. Other studies are finding doula clients have better feelings about their birth experience and a more nurturing attitude toward their infant, thereby creating a more positive parenting experience.
What a Doula costs
Nationwide, doula costs vary considerably from $200 to over $1500. At Partners in Childbirth, we offer DONA certified doulas at a flat rate of $350 for Cumberland County. (Rates are slightly higher for surrounding counties.) A $50 deposit is required to save your place on our calendar and guarantee a doula for you. The remainder is paid in increments and completed by the 38th week of pregnancy. We have several programs to enable those who cannot afford a doula to utilize our services. Please call us if you have any questions.
What the Cost covers
Having a Partners in Childbirth doula means having an expert at your disposal. She will meet with you before the birth to help you with your plans and answer any questions. Once labor begins, she joins you for continuous support until the baby is born. After birth, she helps with breastfeeding support and any questions you might have concerning infant care. She also meets with you a week or so after the birth to review the labor, provide a written birth journal and get feedback about her role.
My Favorite Links...
Sabrina Cuddy's Pregnancy Page
My Favorite Books
