The Benefits of Doula CareWhat is the role of a doula?
The word doula, which is derived from ancient Greek, refers to a woman trained and experienced in childbirth. These women are birth professionals, providing skilled physical, emotional and informational support to women through pregnancy, birth and the crossover to parenthood. They have seen pregnancy and birth unfold in unique and wondrous ways: at the hospital and at home, through natural and ceasarian birth, over several long days, and a few intense hours. Most doulas are well rounded in their knowledge, but some offer expertise in a particular area such as birth, postpartum, breastfeeding support, and sleep consulting.
What are the benefits to having a doula?
In North America, we are just beginning to appreciate the benefit of having a doula attend to our needs during the birth experience. Studies show that when a doula is present at birth, a woman’s labour is shortened, there are fewer medical interventions, and babies are healthier. Women also report that their experiences are positive and memorable when a doula is there to offer continuous support.
How do I choose a doula?
If you are looking for a doula to help guide and support you through your childbirth experience, here are some tips for choosing a doula that’s right for you.
- With your partner, discuss and prioritize your needs. You may want a doula to help with pain management, or one with expertise in attending to multiple births. Each childbirth experience is unique, and it is important to communicate what you want from your doula so she can flexibly adjust to meet your needs and expectations.
- Ask around. While there may be hundreds of doulas listed on-line or in the phonebook, it is always advisable to get a referral from someone you know and trust. Ask a childbirth educator, your midwife, OBGYN, or a personal friend and narrow the search based on their advice.
- When you meet with a doula, prepare a list of questions. Ask questions that will reveal her personal philosophies and the way she supports women through childbirth. Remember, this will be the person who will see you through your birth journey. Above all, both you and your partner have to feel comfortable with her, and trust her abilities.
- If you will give birth in a hospital, check with the Delivery section to see what kind of relationship a prospective doula has with the medical staff. It is essential to choose one who can work well with the other professionals who will attend your birth.
- Review the certification organizations. When you look at a doula’s credentials, you’ll know exactly what kind of training she has undergone, and also get a sense of her childbirth philosophy. Always verify credentials of prospective doulas. The following are a list of organizations and corresponding credentials awarded.
ALACE (Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators)
-Certified Labour Assistant (LA)
Birth Works Inc.
-Certified Doula (CD)
CAPPA Canada (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association)
-Certified Labour Doula (CLD)
Childbirth International
-Certificate of Labour Support (Cert. LS)
D.O.N.A. (Doulas of North America)
-Certified Doula (CD)
GBI (Global Birth Insitute)
-Certified Childbirth Doula (CCD)
ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association)
-ICEA Certified Doula (ICD)
posted 05.23.08 |
