"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." – Elizabeth Stone

What is a doula?

A doula is a trained and experienced specialist who provides informational, emotional and physical support, as well as prenatal and infant care, to families during birth or postpartum. Many families find this support invaluable, as it makes the transition into parenthood smoother and saves more time for bonding between the family and the new baby.

Studies have shown families who utilize doula services are more likely to breastfeed, have lower rates of postpartum depression, have a higher success rate with breastfeeding, and feel closer and more bonded with their baby.

Postpartum doulas assist the new family during the first weeks after the birth. This care is in the family’s home, where the doula will answer any questions the family has on newborn care and special techniques. A postpartum doula can demonstrate proper breastfeeding and bathing techniques, as well as how to care for the umbilical cord. They can also provide emotional support to the new mother and her family. Transitioning other siblings, proper nutrition while breastfeeding, managing a colicky baby, and how the new baby affects your marriage are all things you can discuss with your postpartum doula. She will even care for the baby while you take a well-deserved shower!

Labor doulas assist moms-to-be before and during their labor. Part of their role is to provide information to help the family understand what to expect from labor and delivery. The labor doula can also act as a liaison between the family and the hospital staff, and will provide information to the family regarding the hospital’s procedures. A labor doula is probably most valuable for her ability to help a laboring woman through the pain of childbirth. She will suggest different positions for labor and will provide physical support to help ease the mother’s labor pains. Statistics show that laboring women who are assisted by a doula have fewer interventions during labor (episiotomy, epidural, cesarean section).

Types of Doulas

Postpartum Doulas - If you are looking for assistance adjusting to the new addition to your family, you will be interested in a postpartum doula. You can either hire a daytime postpartum doula or a nighttime doula. Day doulas have much more interaction with the parents and help them to bond with their new baby. Nighttime doulas will care for the baby through the night so the parents can get some much-needed rest.

Labor Doulas – If you would like an extra support person during labor, a labor doula is the perfect solution. With her training and experience, a labor doula can help ease your labor pains and make your birthing experience the best it can be. And not only can she help the mom-to-be through the labor, but she can also guide the dad-to-be through the birthing process as well.

Antipartum Doulas – If you had an extremely difficult labor, you may be required to stay on bed rest. If so, you would benefit greatly from an antipartum doula. These doulas make sure you are well taken care of and that you can still take care of your baby while you heal.