The doula  is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. Their purpose is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience. (American Pregnancy Association)

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The Doula-Client relationship usually starts in the couple of months leading up to the anticipated birth date. 

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In the prenatal period, a doula provides valuable information and education, answers questions, provides a sounding board and helps create a "birth plan". A doula may be able to provide resources to help prepare you for the big day.

Labor is the time where a doula truly shines. Labor is like a marathon. When the mother goes into active labor, the doula is by her side to coach her through the entire process, keeping mom and partner focused throughout the most difficult parts! Also, a doula might provide other measures to facilitate a more comfortable labor. For instance, your doula may be able to recommend herbs and measures to help induce labor, they might provide affirmations, aromatherapy using essential oils, or tools to help through difficult contractions. Most importantly, a doula is a trusted source of support and is there to do make sure a mother's labor is proceeding as closely to the mother's preferences as possible.

A Doula's support doesn't simply end when your baby makes it outside of your womb. Having a Breastfeeding educated doula can ensure that your wish to breastfeed is facilitated from the moment your infant enters the world, to the first latch. Additionally, you will have a sounding board for any questions, comments or concerns you might have. A postpartum doula can stay by your side even longer, ensuring an easy transition into what we call the "Fourth Trimester". 

Let's look at the numbers:

According to multiple studies, women who choose to use a doula during labor experienced:

• Significantly shorter periods of labor

• Less instances of instrument-assisted birth

• Better APGAR scores (greater than 7) at 1 minute postpartum

• Earlier onset of lactogenesis (the onset of milk secretion for breastfeeding)

• A higher likelihood of breastfeeding their babies at 6 weeks​​

(Gruber, Cupito & Dobson, 2013)​

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What this means is that IF you hire a doula, you are less likely to have a traumatic birth full of interventions and you are more likely to have a childbirth that is both happy and healthy for mother and baby.

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A doula is right for you ONLY if you would like a better, healthier labor. There is not a "downside" to having support during labor. Doulas can be versatile, and thus, can support you no matter what your plans for your pregnancy and labor are! 

Consult with Jior today, to find out how a doula can help YOU.

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More Doula Related Research:

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• Hodnett ED. Gates S Hofmeyr GJ. Sakala C. Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. CD003766, (2003).

• Doula support compared with standard care, Jacqueline H. Fortier, Marshall Godwin, Canadian Family Physician Jun 2015, 61 (6) e284-e292;

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