What is a Doula?

 

"Doula" (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver". It now refers to an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth. A doula believes in “mothering the mother” - enabling a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time that she can during pregnancy, birth and the early days as a new mum. This type of support also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience.

 

Why Hire a Doula?

 

Research has shown that having a doula present at a birth can:

• Shorten first time labour by as much as 2 hours, simply because 
the mother relaxes

• Decreases the chance of a Caesarean section by as much as 50%

• Decreases the need for pain medication

• Helps the father feel confident participating in the birth

• Increases the success of breastfeeding

• Reduces the incidence of Postnatal Depression

• Increases the satisfaction rates of birth.

More information on Doulas and our role can be found on www.doula.org.uk