A doula, sometimes known as a labor companion, is a non-medical person who assists a woman and her partner before, during, and after childbirth. A doula provides information, emotional support, and physical assistance. The doula's purpose is to assist women in having a safe and empowering birth.
A doula does not make medical decisions for you but can provide information so you can make informed decisions yourself. A doula does not replace the husband or birth partner, but instead compliments the experience for all involved.
Researched benefits of a doula:
- fewer birth complications
- cesarean births reduced by 50%
- use of forceps reduced by 40%
- epidural requests reduced by 60%
- labor lengths reduced by 25%
- decreased chance of PPD
