“If a doula were a drug, it would be malpractice not to use it.” Dr. John Kennell, MD
Tired but exhilarated after the first birth I attended as a doula in 2009
What is a Doula?
A doula is a woman who offers non medical assistance to a couple who are about to have, or have recently had a baby. The word Doula is an ancient Greek word which can be translated as female caregiver and the art of being a doula is an ancient one too – women supporting other women during childbirth. We have a knowledge of the processes of labour and childbirth which empowers us to help you. By nature, we are compassionate and empathetic to the needs of the expectant couple. We are trained in non medical methods to alleviate pain and discomfort and we are constantly learning and absorbing new techniques.
What exactly does a Doula do?
This is one of my least favourite questions – because it is really hard to answer! What we do varies from mother to mother, father to father and birth to birth – no two people are the same and the same can be said for labour and birth.
In one birth, I might be running around, helping the midwife, get things ready while dad attends to mom and midwife catches baby. In another I might be walking around with mom and holding her hand through contractions. In another, I might be giving anxious grandparents updates on progress. Sometimes, I am just there, sitting quietly in a corner while mom is dealing with her contractions, ready to reassure the parents at any time that what is happening is normal and good. Sometimes I am the photographer. It really depends on the particular birth I am attending.
What about Dads and partners?
I am there for both parents! It is as much a stressful experience for the expectant dad as it is for the labouring mom as dads are most often not familiar with labour and birth. They can’t imagine what their partner is going through and they interpret it as unbearable pain – I am there to reassure them that things are normal and provide suggestions on how better to assist and support their partners. Our goal is to make your partner look like the super hero in the birthing team!!!
The Benefits?
Having a doula has loads of benefits. My aim is to help you have a special birth experience, no matter what plans Mother Nature has in store for you. Research has shown that mothers who have continuous labour support in the form of a doula experience :
Did you know that some medical aids are now paying for the benefit of having a doula present during your birth? Enquire with your medical aid to find out if this is part of your benefit plan!
Please contact me to set up an obligation free appointment to discuss having a doula at your birth!
A doula is a woman who offers non medical assistance to a couple who are about to have, or have recently had a baby. The word Doula is an ancient Greek word which can be translated as female caregiver and the art of being a doula is an ancient one too – women supporting other women during childbirth. We have a knowledge of the processes of labour and childbirth which empowers us to help you. By nature, we are compassionate and empathetic to the needs of the expectant couple. We are trained in non medical methods to alleviate pain and discomfort and we are constantly learning and absorbing new techniques.
What exactly does a Doula do?
This is one of my least favourite questions – because it is really hard to answer! What we do varies from mother to mother, father to father and birth to birth – no two people are the same and the same can be said for labour and birth.
In one birth, I might be running around, helping the midwife, get things ready while dad attends to mom and midwife catches baby. In another I might be walking around with mom and holding her hand through contractions. In another, I might be giving anxious grandparents updates on progress. Sometimes, I am just there, sitting quietly in a corner while mom is dealing with her contractions, ready to reassure the parents at any time that what is happening is normal and good. Sometimes I am the photographer. It really depends on the particular birth I am attending.
What about Dads and partners?
I am there for both parents! It is as much a stressful experience for the expectant dad as it is for the labouring mom as dads are most often not familiar with labour and birth. They can’t imagine what their partner is going through and they interpret it as unbearable pain – I am there to reassure them that things are normal and provide suggestions on how better to assist and support their partners. Our goal is to make your partner look like the super hero in the birthing team!!!
The Benefits?
Having a doula has loads of benefits. My aim is to help you have a special birth experience, no matter what plans Mother Nature has in store for you. Research has shown that mothers who have continuous labour support in the form of a doula experience :
- Reduction in the length of labour (25% shorter labour in first-time mothers)
- Reduction of the likelihood of medication for pain relief (60% reduction),
- Lower likelihood of a caesarean section (50% reduction),
- Lower likelihood of assisted deliveries (40% reduction),
- Less likelyhood of failure to breastfeed,
- Reductions in the possibility of post natal depression
- Babies have significantly higher Apgar scores
Did you know that some medical aids are now paying for the benefit of having a doula present during your birth? Enquire with your medical aid to find out if this is part of your benefit plan!
Please contact me to set up an obligation free appointment to discuss having a doula at your birth!