1. The Importance of DoulasThe Importance of Doulas
WHAT DOES A DOULA DO?
Recognizes birth as a key experience
the mother will remember all her life
Understands the physiology of
birth and the emotional needs
of a woman in labor
Assists the woman in preparing for
and carrying out her plans for birth
Facilitates communication between
the laboring woman, her partner and
her clinical care providers
Perceives her role as nurturing and
protecting the woman’s memory
of the birth experience
Allows the partner to participate
at his/her own comfort level
Stays with the woman throughout the labor and provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and
an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions
A Doula is a specially trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support
to the mother before, during and just after birth. The word Doula comes from the ancient Greek, meaning a woman who serves.
WHAT IS A DOULA?
A Doula is NOT a hospital staff member
(such as a nurse)
A Doula is NOT a part of the mother’s social network
(spouse, mother, sister, friend)
©2014 SHERYL BANE | SOURCES: HOFMEYR, G. J., V. C. NIKODEM, ET AL. (1991). “COMPANIONSHIP TO MODIFY THE CLINICAL BIRTH ENVIRONMENT: EFFECTS ON PROGRESS AND PERCEPTIONS OF LABOUR, AND BREASTFEEDING”
BRITISH JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY 98(8): 756-764. | HODNETT, E. D. (2002). “PAIN AND WOMEN’S SATISFACTION WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF CHILDBIRTH: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.” AM J OBSTET GYNECOL 186 (5
SUPPL NATURE): S160-172. | CATON, D., M. P. CORRY, ET AL. (2002). “THE NATURE AND MANAGEMENT OF LABOR PAIN: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.” AM J OBSTET GYNECOL 186(5 SUPPL NATURE): S1-15. | WOLMAN, W.L., CHALMERS, B.,
HOFMEYR, G.J. ET AL. POST-PARTUM DEPRESSION AND COMPANIONSHIP IN THE CLINICAL BIRTH ENVIRONMENT: A RANDOMIZED, CONTROLLED STUDY. AM J OBSTET AND GYNEC, 168:1380-1393, 1993. | HTTP://WWW.DONA.ORG
www.SherylBane.com | sherylbane@gmail.comSheryl BaneSheryl Bane Birth Doula
31% decrease in the
use of Pitocin 12% increase in the likelihood of
a spontaneous vaginal birth
28% decrease in the
risk of C-section14% decrease in the risk of newborns being
admitted to a special care nursery 9% decrease in the use of any
medications for pain relief
34% decrease in the risk of being
dissatisfied with the birth experience
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING A DOULA?
Women who have a doula are statistically more likely to feel less pain when a doula is present.
less
anxiety and
depression
higher
self esteem
higher
satisfaction
with partner
better
relationship
with partner
higher
perception
of baby
higher perception
of mothering
abilities
At 6 weeks after birth, mothers who used a Doula had significantly:
“Overall, these results indicated that mothers
who had the support of a doula during labor
had a remarkably positive level of affectionate
interaction with their infants compared to the
other mothers two months after delivery.”
Having a Doula can counteract the negative effects of
a clinical hospital environment, helping a woman feel
more competent, with increased confidence in her
own abilities—not only in delivering a baby, but in
her mothering abilities as well.