“It’s not pain, it’s power”
“Throughout human history women have always helped women to give birth, mothers had the continous support of other women during labour and delivery. Once childbirth moved to hospitals, however, this vital ingredient began to disapper. Childbirth tended to become lonelier and more psychologically stressful for parents. A doula is an experienced and caring birth companion, who provides continous physical and emotional support to the mother and her partner. A Doula is not trained to make medical decisions, however her training includes learning about the usual medical procedures so that she can explain them to the parents in order to relieve some of their uncertainty and anxieties.”
-The Doula Book - Klaus, Klaus, Klennel
What is a Doula?
What are the benefits of having a doula?
The presence of a doula reduces the likelihood of a cesarean birth by 45% and the use of forceps or vacuum extraction by 60%. (Source: Kennell et al., 1991)
Research shows that the likelihood of requiring labour induction is 45% lower for women who have continuous support from a doula.
(Source: Byrom & Downe, 2019)
95% of women who receive continuous support from a doula report higher satisfaction with their birth experience.
(Source: Klaus & Kennell, 2009
Partners who have a doula present during birth feel more involved and confident, with 60% reporting greater satisfaction in their role and feeling better able to support their partner.
(Source: Byrom & Downe, 2019)
Women supported by a doula are 40% less likely to request an epidural or other pain medications during labour.
(Source: Hodnett et al., 2013)
Studies show that women with a doula experience, on average, a 25% shorter labour compared to those without continuous support.
(Source: Hodnett et al., 2013)
Women with doula support are 50% more likely to initiate breastfeeding and tend to breastfeed for a longer duration.
(Source: Hans, 2008)
Continuous support from a doula can reduce the risk of postnatal depression, with studies showing a 30% lower risk of experiencing postpartum mood disorders.
(Source: Stewart et al., 2009)
“THe circles of women around us weave invisible nets of love that carry us when we’re weak and sing with us when we are strong.”
Sark