Monthly Archives: June 2013
What is a doula
"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it" - Dr. John Kennell
The term Doula (rhymes with hula) is Greek in orgin and translates to "a woman who serves." A doula is a experienced trained birth professional who offers continuous physical, emotional and, informational support to mother and family during labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. Studies have shown that when a doula attends a birth it:
- Result in shorter labors with fewer complications
- Lessen the need for medical interventions (forceps, vacuum extraction, pitocin)
- Lowers the mothers request for pain medication and or epidurals
- Reduces negative feelings about child birth experience.
- Has also been shown that parents feel more prepared and secure and adapt better to parenthood