What is a Doula?


The word "Doula" is of ancient Greek origin meaning  'serving woman'. In the United States, the word has gained a new meaning. A Doula can best be described as a maternity coach. It is an experienced and knowledgeable woman, who supports prospective parents in a non-medical way during pregnancy, the birth of their child and the period after. Doulas establish a close relationship with you and stay with you for the entire labour. They recognize birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all of her life.

The Doula and Sciene

“A mother in labour needs to feel cared for and supported, so that she may draw from her inner strength.”

The best known study on the effects of the doula is that of 1993 American Marshall and Phyllis Klaus and John Kennell. The results showed:

• 50% reduction in caesarean sections
• 25% shorter duration of labor
• 60% fewer requests for epidural
  
• 40% less use of pitocin / oxytocin ('initiation')
• 30% fewer requests for pain relief
  
• 40% reduction in forceps deliveries

Source: www.doula.nl