Doula and Hypno-Doula

Doula is a Greek word for "woman's servant." The word has come to refer to "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth." (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, Mothering the Mother)

A birth Doula is a supportive companion professionally trained to provide birthing support. The continuous support begins with the first visit, which is setup when hired. We are present when your labor starts through birth.  We offer help and advice on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement, positioning, and massage. A Doula is support in addition to your birthing partner and family present.

A Doula specializes in non-medical skills and does not perform clinical tasks or diagnose medical conditions.  We do not make decisions for the families-to-be; however we listen to your hopes and goals and aim to help you achieve them.

Our hope is to provide the support and information needed to help the birthing mother and partner have a safe and enriching birthing journey as they define it.

Why hire a Doula?

Women cared for during labor by a birth Doula, compared to those receiving usual care were:

• 26% less likely to give birth by cesarean section
• 41% less likely to give birth with a vacuum extractor or forceps
• 28% less likely to use any analgesia or anesthesia
• 33% less likely to be dissatisfied or negatively rate their birth experience

6 weeks after birth, mothers who had Doulas were:

• Less anxious and depressed
• Had more confidence with baby
• More satisfied with partner's role during labor
• More likely to be breastfeeding

A birth Doula:

• Recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life.
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in the birthing process.
• Assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for birth.
• Stays by the side of the birthing woman throughout the entire birth.
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint, and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions.
• Facilitates communication between the birthing woman, her partner, and clinical care providers.
• Perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience.

The acceptance of Doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and infants.

(Information from Doulas of North America (DONA))