What is a Doula?
A doula is 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. (DONA International)
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
- •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.