The support system that was offered to mamas in the past and is currently offered in other countries is mostly lacking in present day America. Those wise women who would tell a laboring woman what positions were optimal, who would offer comforting words or touches, who would help take some of the load off her shoulders after the baby comes home, slowly and sadly disappeared from modern life. There's been a renaissance in recent decades to bring that supportive presence back in the form of doulas.
Contrary to what some believe, a doula is not meant to replace a partner during labor. A doula simply does not have the emotional bond or investment to take on that role. During the overwhelming moments of labor and newborn care, it can be difficult to remember what positions will help alleviate back pain, what consequences an epidural may have...or the last time you ate or slept. Doulas offer support to not just mama but her partner as well.
What Does a Doula Do?
Typically, doulas meet with the parents in the second or third trimester of the pregnancy to get acquainted and to learn about prior birth experiences and the history of this pregnancy. She may help you develop a birth plan, teach relaxation, visualization, and breathing skills useful for labor. Most importantly, the doula will provide comfort, support, and information about birth options.
A doula can help the woman to determine prelabor from true labor and early labor from active labor. At a point determined by the woman in labor, the doula will come to her and assist her by:
- Helping her to rest and relax
- Providing support for the woman's partner
- Encouraging nutrition and fluids in early labor
- Assisting her in using a variety of helpful positions and comfort measures
- Constantly focus on the comfort of both the woman and her partner
- Helping the environment to be one in which the woman feels secure and confident
- Providing her with information on birth options
A doula works cooperatively with the health care team. In the event of a complication, a doula can be a great help in understanding what is happening and what options the family may have. The doula may also help with the initial breastfeeding and in preserving the privacy of the new family during the first hour after birth.
(Taken from www.cappa.net)
Statistical benefits of using a doula in labor:
- 50% reduction in the cesarean rate
- 25% shorter labor
- 60% reduction in epidural requests
- 40% reduction in oxytocin use
- 30% reduction in analgesia use
- 40% reduction in forceps delivery
(Taken from The Doula Book by Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus) | 
