DONA: A trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.
EDN, European Doula Network: Doulas support women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood. This support is practical and emotional but non-medical in nature.
Benefits of having a Doula:
- Decreases the risk of cesarean
- Decreases the risk of the use of synthetic oxytocin
- Decreases of instrumentalized birth
- Increases the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth
- Decreases the use of any medications for pain relief
- In average 40 minutes shorter labour
- Higher APGAR score
- More positive birth experiences
- Higher breastfeeding success rates
These are our specific tasks:
- Offer emotional support.
- Support your wishes without judgment.
- Helps you make informed decisions, without interfering.
- Takes care of the new family, baby, or siblings.
- Collaborate with basic household chores.
The Doula code of ethics. (AERCD & EDN)
- Doulas offer emotional and practical support to mothers, fathers and families.
- Doulas do not perform clinical tasks, do not make medical diagnoses or give advice; therefore, we always accompany the delivery with trained health professionals.
- Doulas support informed choice and consent, without directing family decision-making.
- Doulas conduct themselves with integrity and transparency regarding their experience, skills, and limits.
- Doulas respect the privacy of clients and maintain the confidentiality of all information obtained.
- Doulas treat mothers, fathers, families, and all other professionals with respect and courtesy.
- Doulas are involved in continuous personal and professional development.
- Doulas contribute in their local community and in larger settings.
