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What
is a Doula?
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The word "doula"
is derived from the Greek language and is an old custom revised. It
is used to describe someone who provides support to a woman and her
family during her childbearing year and who is trained in the process
of labour and childbirth. Many other terms are used interchangeably
for this support person, such as: labour companion, birth companion,
labour assistant, labour "coach", etc. Our Doulas’
primary function is to "accompany women in labour to help ensure
more satisfying birth experiences", as we believe that women
instinctively know how to give birth and do not require a "coach"
or "assistant".
MACFE Doulas draw on their knowledge and experience to provide physical
comfort and emotional support. As well they help ensure that you have
the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise
in labour. They can provide reassurance, make suggestions for labour
progress and help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other
techniques for comfort. A Doula embodies women's wisdom. She is a
compassionate woman that tunes in to the needs of the mother and mothers
her.
Your Doula works for you, not your caregiver or hospital.
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Doulas
do not... |
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- perform clinical
tasks, such as blood pressure, foetal heart checks, or vaginal exams.
- make decisions
for you. A labour companion will help you get the information necessary
to make an informed decision.
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Recent
studies show that
trained labour support can... |
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- reduce the length
of labour by up to 25%.
- reduce the need
for pain medication by up to 30%.
- reduce requests
for epidurals by up to 60%.
- reduce the likelihood
of a Cæsarean section by 50%.
- improve the
relationship between mother and child.
- help the father
participate with confidence.
- help with successful
breastfeeding. (Mothering the Mother/The Doula Book, Klaus,
Kennell and Klaus).
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A Doula enters the space
of a labouring woman and is highly responsive and aware of her needs,
moods, changes, and unspoken feelings. She has no need to control
or smother. Every pregnant woman should have the benefits of a Doula.
This person does not detract from the role of the baby's father or
co-parent, by the way. It enhances it and leaves him (or her) free
to do the very important job of loving the mother (Christiane Northrup,
M.D. Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom).
Read the accounts
of two women
who sought the services of a trained doula.
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"If
a Doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it."
Dr. John Kennell, Mothering
the Mother
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