I have heard a lot of confusion before about this term and what the role of a true doula is. I have heard people think a doula is the same as a midwife (no), that doulas assist with deliveries (sort of but not in the way you think), that you don't need one if you have a husband/partner there to help (but what if your partner needs one?) and that you can only have an unmedicated natural childbirth with a doula.
Well, let me address some of these questions. A doula is a trained support person (usually a woman) that is there during labor and delivery to support both the mother AND her partner. Doulas are trained in assisting with non-medical comfort measures, psychological and emotional calming and support for the parents, and to act as an advocate for the mom and partner if the need should arise. Research shows that women who have doulas present during labor and delivery have less need for medications, less dystocia, and fewer c-sections (from www.dona.org). Hospitals are beginning to realize that doulas address a crucial part of the laboring mother-her emotional and psychological comfort-that hospital personnel aren't always set up or able to provide care for.
Doulas don't take the place of a husband or partner but rather help him provide the most effective support for the mother and spell him when he needs a break. Doulas don't force moms into making choices about epidurals or interventions, but help a mother educate herself on these interventions and support her choices whenever possible.
For more info on doulas go to:
www.dona.org
or read:
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