The Baby and Toddler Guide

What Is A Doula?

A doula is a person who is specially trained to provide labour support. She does not perform clinical tasks. She will assist the husband/partner to support the woman in labour but will not take their place. The labour doula is a positive contribution to the care of women in labour. Having a doula can decrease the need for some medical interventions. It will also increase the women’s satisfaction with the labour and delivery, enhance the early mother-infant bonding and breastfeeding experiences. Women’s self-esteem also improves when a doula has assisted with the birth.

Why You Should Consider Having A Doula
Studies of continuous Doula support show a:

• 50% decrease in Cesarean section
• 25% decrease in the length of labour by an average of 98 minutes
• 40% decrease in the use of oxytocin
• 30% decrease in the use of narcotics for pain relief
• 30% decrease in use of forceps
• lower maternal fever, lower number of days in NICU, fewer septic workups
• improved breastfeeding
• increased time spent with the baby
• decreased postpartum depression
(Summarized by Penny Simkin, Chapter 3, Mothering the Mother by Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, 1993)

A Birth Doula Does Not:
• Take the place of your partner
• Assist the doctor or midwife with any clinical tasks such as exams, taking your blood pressure or make diagnoses.
• Give second opinions or advice or persuade clients to make a certain decision
• Speak on your behalf. We offer suggestions and present options; we will provide you with the information necessary to make informed choices.
How to hire a doula:

1. Get a short list of doulas. All doulas are different so speak to a few to make sure you have one that is compatible with your needs.
2. Call and conduct a short telephone interview. Below are some questions to ask.
3. Check references and credentials
4. Meet in person. You want to make sure that the person you meet is the same as they were on the phone. You need to be comfortable and secure with this person, it is more for you to be at ease with this person. It doesn’t matter if this person has attended over 100 births if you are not comfortable having her at yours. Make sure that you interview more than one doula.

To hire a birth doula, ask the following questions:
1. What training and education do you have?
2. What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
3. When do you try to join women in labor - at our home or at the place of birth?
4. Will you meet with us to discuss our birth plans and the role that you will play in supporting us through childbirth?
5. May we call you with questions or concerns before or after the birth?
6. Do you work with one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet them?
7. What is your fee, what services does it include and what are your refund policies?
8. Will you provide references?

Melissa Cassells CD (DONA)
Birth Connections
Birth & Postpartum Doula
905-876-3283
http://ca.geocities.com/macassells
www.birthconnections.ca