Information



What’s A Doula

Hundreds of years ago, a woman in labor was almost always at home, surrounded by other women. Most of these women had already given birth before, and therefore, were able to assist and comfort the woman now giving birth. Often times, natural pain remedies and family traditions were passed down as well, and some births would have many generations of women from one family in the same room. This gave the pregnant woman a sense of strength and reassurance that her body could handle this amazing feat.

Things are a lot different today, as deliveries have moved to hospitals, the procedure has become more medical, and fewer people are allowed into the room to support the laboring woman. While many times the father is present and able to help support the mother-to-be, sometimes this woman is alone, or just needs a little extra support.

According to Doulas of North America (DONA), a doula is someone who accompanies a woman in labor and helps by "mothering the mother", and taking care of her emotional needs throughout childbirth. A doula also provides support and suggestions for partners that can enhance their experiences of birth. This person in no way replaces the roles of the father, the midwife, nurse or doctor. She is there strictly as a support system for the mother to make sure that her needs are met without stepping on anyone else's toes. Besides offering continuous support to the mother, a doula may also act as birth photographer, write up a birth story for the parents, allow the partner to take a much needed rest or grab a bite to eat, or act as a liason between the hospital staff and the family. Her role is whatever the family needs her to be.

Research has shown that having a doula present decreases the need for pain medication, decreases the number of interventions used during delivery, decreases the length of labor, lowers the C-section rate, and increases positive birth outcomes for laboring mothers.

There are many doulas right in our area, and it is best to interview a few to see if your personalities and philosophies about birth are a match. For doulas in our area, visit www.wisconsindoulas.net, or contact Brenda or Terry for more info.

For more information on doulas and research on benefits, visit http://www.dona.org


“I know God won’t give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish he didn’t trust me so much.”
-Mother Theresa