What is a Doula?
The word 'doula' — pronounced 'doo-la' — is a Greek word meaning 'woman servant or caregiver'. A doula offers emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner before, during, and after childbirth. A doula believes in 'mothering the mother' and enables a woman and her partner to have the most satisfying birth experience possible.
As a doula since 2013, I believe birth is incredibly beautiful and powerful. It is a sacred moment and quite possibly one of the most important and life-changing events in a woman's life. I believe if women can carry the courage and strength they gain from a positive birth experience and transfer those qualities to their daily life, the possibilities are endless.
"As a doula, I believe in supporting your strength and acknowledging the choices you make. It is a privilege to witness birth. It is profound."
The Benefits of Doula Support
Shorter Labors
Research shows continuous doula support results in shorter labors with fewer complications.
50% Less Cesareans
Women with doula support experience significantly reduced need for surgical intervention.
Greater Satisfaction
Mothers report higher satisfaction with their birth experience, regardless of birth method.
Better Support
Continuous emotional and physical support throughout labor and birth.
Research has shown that mothers who have continuous labour support in the form of a doula experience: shorter labors with fewer complications, reduced need for labor-inducing drugs by 40%, reduced need for forceps or vacuum extraction by 40%, reduced need for cesareans by 50%, reduced request for epidurals by 60%, greater satisfaction with their birth experiences, lower incidence of postnatal depression, and greater success with breastfeeding.