What is a Doula's role?

The role of a doula is not new. Compassionate, mothers have traditionally been involved in supporting a woman birth her baby. However, the benefits of employing the relatively new name for the role - a birth doula - have been researched to conclude:

  • A quicker labour - a typical reduction by 25%
  • Less need for pain relief - 30%
  • Reduce epidural requests by 60%
  • Decrease in caesarean section rate by 50%
  • Greater satisfaction with the birth process for both mother and father - less post natal depression.
  • Promotes Breastfeeding

(Taken from Mothering the Mother : Klaus,Kennel & Klaus, 1993) It is rare that a woman will experience birth without some form of medical intervention as the majority of births now occur in hospital. The support a birth doula provides can help protect the normal process of birth. At ante-natal meetings, I will support you in making a birth plan, should you desire one, based on research and information that is right for you and your partner.