WHAT IS A DOULA?

 A doula is a woman who has been trained to provide support to a mother before, during and after childbirth.

Prenatal Doula: A woman trained and experienced in pregnancy who provides emotional and informational support to a pregnant woman and her family.

Birth Doula: A woman trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a woman during labor, delivery and the immediate postpartum period.

Postpartum Doula: A woman trained to care for new families in the first weeks after birth, to advise with newborn care, breastfeeding and also provide emotional support to the new mom.

Studies have shown the following about having a doula present during labor:

Birth outcomes:

-Labors are shorter

-Fewer complications

-Fewer c-sections

-Less need for medicated labors (i.e. pain reduction and to speed up labor)

-Fewer forceps deliveries

Mother:

-Greater satisfaction with the birth experience

-Less postpartum depression

-Positive outlook of their babies

-Pleased with personal care received

Baby:

-Shorter hospital stay

-Less admissions to specialty nurseries

-Easier time breastfeeding

-Better interaction with the mother

 

The benefits of Doula services are recognized by:

-the World Health Organization

-the Medical Leadership Council (an organization of over 1200 U.S. hospitals)

-the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada

 

How do Doulas provide services?

-Privately – hired by individual women

-Volunteer services with community or hospital programs

 

To locate a Doula or find out about Doula training on the Big Island,

call the Barefoot Doctors’ Academy or speak to Dee Anne Domnick @ 808-987-7008.                   2/18/04