Benefits of a Doula

From the beginning of time, women have been cared for and nurtured as they become mothers. Family, friends and neighbours from the community would rally around the new family to help guide them through their tender early weeks and months with a new baby.

Today, we’ve expanded and professionalized these roles! DONA International is the world’s leader in training, certifying and supporting birth and postpartum doulas everywhere.
 
Read below for more information about the role of birth and postpartum doulas!

Doulas help make birth better!

They nurture, support and offer expert guidance for families during their pregnancy, birth and the early postpartum time. There is incredible evidence that shows how birth doulas improve outcomes!
According to a 2017 Cochrane Database Systematic Review, “Continuous support in labour may improve a number of outcomes for both mother and baby, and no adverse outcomes have been identified. Continuous support from a person who is present solely to provide support, is not a member of the woman’s own network, is experienced in providing labour support, and has at least a modest amount of training (such as a doula), appears beneficial.”

Having a doula by your side during labour and delivery can decrease your labouring time considerably. ... There are many other benefits of having a doula present: a lower rate of C-sections, less use of epidurals and other interventions, and more satisfaction with birth experiences.

The ideal time to hire a doula is as early in your pregnancy as possible. This allows both you and the doula to get to know one another and to discuss your plans for your pregnancy, labour, and birth as long as needed. It also gives you more time to explore the options that your doula may alert you to in your area.