Is doula care for you?

In interviewing a doula, parents should consider their anticipated needs and desires with regards to their birth plan and consider the following: What training and experience does the doula have and what is her certification status? How many births of different types has she attended? Has she worked with your care provider and at your place of birth? How does she see her role during early labor, and later at your birth? What is her fee, and does that include prenatal and postpartum visits? Does she have back-up arrangements? Doulas can be found through the various organizations that offer childbirth preparation classes, your care provider, your anticipated place of birth, lactation consultants, and quite often through baby specialty stores. Ask the doula for references and meet with her personally after an initial phone conversation. Look for clues that will tell you about her personality and attitudes to ascertain if your beliefs are compatible. Look for signs of a warm heart and strong, sure and capable hands. Most doulas have them!

When considering the presence of a doula at your birth, keep in mind the documented benefits a birth doula can offer. (Klaus, Kennell & Klaus.)

50% reduction in cesarean rates 25% shorter labor 60% reduction in epidural requests 40% reduction in oxytocin (pitocin) use 30% reduction in analgesia use 40% reduction in forceps delivery

The birth of your baby is a momentous occasion and many couples are concerned that the doula somehow infringes on the father or partner's role as labor coach. This is a sad misperception. Doulas are usually very respectful of the intimate bond between mother and her partner and other family members, and will often work in the background to encourage participation and develop confidence in the support team members. By demonstrating her training and skills in a quiet and calm manner, the doula models ways of being helpful to the mother in a positive way, allowing others the opportunity to be of assistance as well.

For more information about doulas, check out the doula links on our website's welcome page.

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