Doulas give physical, emotional, spiritual and informed choice support before, during and after childbirth.
Doulas are educated to work within evidence-based standards of practice. The skills they develop are medically proven to make a true difference in the experience of birth.
Birth doulas are knowledgeable about pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum experience. They are advocates for the birthing couple's wishes.
 
A typical birth doula package includes:
  • 2 prenatal visits, each lasting an hour or more
  • Continuous support during labor and for the first hour or two after your birth
  • 1-2 postpartum visits.
Additional visits can usually be arranged if desired. Fees for doula services are affordable, and insurance may cover them.

Studies* have shown that women supported by a birth doula during labor have on average:
  • About half the number of cesarean sections
  • Fewer epidural requests (reduced by about 60%)
  • Fewer forceps deliveries (reduced by about 40%)
  • Less oxytocin use (reduced by about 40%)
  • Labors that are about 25% shorter.

Longer-term benefits* have also been demonstrated in studies. Women supported by a birth doula during labor have:
  • A higher chance of breastfeeding success ( about 45% higher at 2 days and at 6 months)
  • About a 40% reduction in infant health problems at 6 weeks
  • About a 50% reduction in maternal depression at 6 weeks.

* Summarized from: Klaus, Kennel, and Klaus. 2002. The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth. Cambridge, MA: Da Cap Press. 243 p   
Postpartum doulas are specially trained to offer sensitive, calming and knowledgeable personal assistance to nurture the new mother and family after the birth of a child.
Postpartum doulas listen to the mother to validate and honor the normal adjustment process.
Having emotional and physical needs met is the best way to ease into the bonding and recovery process after childbirth.

Postpartum doulas come into the home and offer much needed support to the new family.
A postpartum doula may do light housekeeping, prepare meals, run errands, help facilitate breastfeeding, offer evidence-based baby care suggestions, encourage sibling adjustment and help nurture the mother.
Due to the flexibility in care that a postpartum doula can offer, her services are customizable to what a new family needs.

The benefits of postpartum care include:
  • Increased breastfeeding success
  • Less exhaustion, anxiety and apprehension in the early weeks
  • Greater understanding of newborn emotional and physical needs and behavior
  • Increased confidence in parenting skills
  • Improved parent-infant bonding
 
Doulas are for all types of women!
Most doulas are advocates for normal birth, but that doesn't mean that a doula isn’t for you if you have your heart set on an epidural.
What is the difference between a midwife and doula?
This is a question that we’re asked a lot!

Your certified nurse midwife, certified professional midwife or direct-entry midwife is your primary health care provider — she focuses on the physical well-being and safe delivery of your baby.

Your doula’s role is to provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to you and your partner during labor and birth. She is someone you invite into your home in the months and weeks leading up to your delivery, and you will get to know her on a personal level. (By the time their birthing day comes, many women — and their partners — consider their doula to be one of their most trusted companions.)