What is a Doula? A Doula provides continuous emotional support and assistance before, during, and after birth. Studies have revealed* that support in labor has profound benefits including shorter labor, less desire for pain medication, lower rate of Caesarian delivery, and more ease in initiation of breast feeding. Anecdotal evidence also suggest that having a Doula on your birth team can shorten the length of first-time births. 

Fathers reported that they were more relaxed with a Doula present, because they felt reassured and therefore freer to support their mates. A doula is a non-medical assistant in prenatal care, childbirth and during the postpartum period.

You should always meet and interview a potential doula to find the right match for you and your partner. It is quite normal to meet more than one person. I highly recommend you interview and meet with a few Doula's until you feel an absolute synchronicity with the perfect person. A Doula will share an intimate journey with you so it is your right to choose well.

To find a doula to support you and your partner, visit www.findadoula.com.au. Australia's largest online doula listing that's free for all to use. Find A Doula is run by Lucy Perry, Founder of Beers & Bubs Workshops for Dads. Lucy Perry is also the Author of Cheers to Childbirth.

 

Here is What Lucy Has to Say about the importance of a Doula for  a Birthing Woman

A doula is an experienced childbirth support partner who is there to give a couple unbiased information as well as physical and emotional support before, during and after labour and birth. Studies have shown* that women who have the support of a doula have shorter labours, half the chance of a caesarean and less intervention during the births of their babies.

A doula provides continuity of support through hospital shift changes, and those with a doula's support report better bonding and breastfeeding experiences. Though your doula does not have a medical role in your birth, she can help with pain management techniques and can recommend practitioners in other areas such as prenatal acupuncture and naturopathy.

Typically, you would meet with your doula in the last trimester so that you can get to know and trust each other and so that your doula is familiar with your birth wishes. You and your partner should feel at ease with your doula and be willing to share this intimate occasion with her. Doulas charge anywhere from $400 to $1500 to support a birth, depending on their experience, the amount of time they will spend with you before and after the birth and other services they offer such as prenatal massage, aromatherapy or birth photography. Feel free to interview a few doulas and go with the doula you feel most comfortable with.

To find a doula to support you and your partner, visit www.findadoula.com.au, Australia's largest online doula listing that's free for all to use.

 

*Marshall H. Klaus, MD, John H. Kennell, MD and Phyllis H. Klaus, CSW, MFT: "The Doula Book: How a Trained Labour Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth", Chapter 5: Obstetric Benefits of Doula Support pp73 – 98. Data in this book has been collected from sixteen published randomised, controlled studies which examined the labours of over 5000 women in Canada, Finland, France, Botswana, Greece, Guatamala, South Africa and USA.