What is a Doula?

For thousands of years, women have met the unique challenges of childbirth with the continuous support of other women throughout their labor. However, when birth shifted from taking place at home within the community to the hospital setting, this essential component of care was forfeited. Today, many women and their families are reviving this tradition by including professional labor support in their team of caregivers.

A doula (sometimes known as a Childbirth Assistant, Labor Assistant, Birth Support Provider) gives physical and emotional support to the laboring family, but does not assess maternal or fetal well-being. This support involves providing the expectant family with information of their options, pain management techniques, and advocacy in their chosen birth setting. A doula does not duplicate the services of doctors, midwives or nurses in the hospital setting. Her job is to work in collaboration with the rest of the team to support the family in having the safest and most satisfying birth possible. Because she does not have the larger responsibilities of the primary caregivers, she is able to stay with the family throughout the entire birth experience.

Recently, certification has become available for women working in this field from one of three national organizations: the Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE), Doulas of North America (DONA), and the National Association of Childbirth Assistants (NACA). Requirements for certification vary among the organizations, as does philosophy.

Why have a Doula?

The effect of having another woman present with the family at birth is remarkable. In a series of six clinical trials, the presence of doulas and/or monitrices resulted in

50% fewer cesareans

In addition to the obvious contributions to the mother's comfort level and the potential for a less complicated, safer delivery, these statistics also point to enormous savings in light of the current health-care crisis.

How will a Doula affect the role of the father or other labor partners?

A doula sees one of her primary roles as enabling the father or other partners to be as involved in the labor process as they desire. The services she provides facilitate the family to express their own emotions in witnessing the miraculous and challenging process of labor and birth and give their love and attention. Since a doula brings a level of expertise gained from extensive training and study as well as experience from attending other births, this relieves the family of the pressure they may feel that to "be the expert." Among consumers who have utilized the services of a doula, it is often the woman's partner who raves afterwards about the benefits of having the support at the birth.

Information taken from "Your Newest Option in Childbirth," Mayri Sagady, ALACE.org

For fee information or any other questions, please contact
Michelle Lehmer-Chiafulio
718.672.7355
mnlehmer@yahoo.com