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Do I Need a Doula?
 I am a Doula, a mother of two, Tutu* of one and a guardian of normal birth. Today, a wonderful change has begun in maternity care from the bio-medical model which treated pregnant
women as if she had an illness, thus tying her to machines, tubes and wires, to more of a bio-psycho-social model that will emphasize the normalcy of pregnancy, labor and birth. That will empower
each pregnant women to trust in their ability to birth for their safety and the well-being of their baby. Thus, I believe that all women need a Doula,
on their prenatal team. Someone who will support each individual woman's needs, assist her in learning about how she can teach her body to supoort her during labor through a variety of
breathing techniques, neuromuscular dissociation, autogenic training, visual imagery and affirmations as well as relazation techniques for dealing with pain. Someone who will provide her
with undivided attention and also advocate on their behalf for the birth that she and her partner desires for their child. I don't think any one would disagree that providing babies with a
healthy start in life is critically important and that a healthy start begins with a positive pregnancy, labor and delivery experience. From the beginning, women have helped each other in the
art of birthing.
*Hawaiian for maternal grandmother
Will the Doula replace the father?
Some fathers, at first, are concerned that they may be sidelined or replaced by the Doula during labor.
Although individual situations vary, an donce should question a prospective Doula about her philosophy, generally
the answer to this quesion is no-she will not replace him. Studies have shown that fathers usually participate
more actively during labor in the presence of a Doula than without one. A responsible Doula supports and
encourages the father and enhances his support style.
Who relies on a Doula?
Childbearing women, couples, midwives, physicians, and labor/delivery nurses appreciate the resources,
techniques, knowldge and continuous sympathetic support a Doula provides. For women without partners, the Doula
may be the only source of focused, continuous emotional support throughout labor. Historically, women have relied on many
different people to provide this kind of support--mothers, aunties, a sister or close friend, or a village midwife.
Today's maternity care is often provided by unfamiliar caregivers and nurses. Obstetric care relies on technology
which can be complex and confusing.
Recent studies indicate that Doulas:
- 50% reduction in cesarean rates
- 25% shorter labor
- 60% reduction in epidural requests
- 40% reduction in oxytocin (pitocin) use
- 30% reduction in analgesia use
- 40% reduction in forceps dellivery
- helps fathers participate with confidence
- increases success in breastfeeding
- greater maternal satisfaction
Additional questions you might want to ask Doulas that you are interviewing. It is really important to find a
Doula that you will be quite comfortable with.
- What is your training and experience with labor support?
- What is your philosophy about child birth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
- What do your Doula services include?
- How do we stay in contact before labor?
- Where and when do you join a woman in labor?
- Will you assist in home births or only birthing center and hospital births?
- Do you work with back-up Doulas?
- What are your fees?
Where to find a Doula?
What does a Doula cost?
This varies from Doula to Doula and area to area. The basic range would be from $200 to $800.
Most Doulas have a sliding scale or payment plans. Most Doulas have gift certificates. Several states offter
third party payment via insurance. However, because Doulas are committed to helping the woman have the birth
she desires, we believe that no woman will be denied support because she is unable to pay.
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