"Whenever and however you intend to give birth, your experience will impact your emotions, your mind, your body and your spirit for the rest of your life." Ina May Gaskin
A Birth Doula
Recognizes birth as a key experience the birthing person will remember all their life
Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a person in labour
Assists the birthing person in preparing for and carrying out their plans for birth
Stays with the birthing person throughout the labour
Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the birthing person get the information they need to make informed decisions
Facilitates communication between the labouring person, their partner and clinical care providers
Perceives the doula role as nurturing and protecting the birthing person’s memory of the birth experience
Allows the birthing person’s partner to participate at their comfort level
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labours are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
A Postpartum Doula
Offers education, companionship and nonjudgmental support during the postpartum fourth trimester
Offers evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and makes appropriate referrals when necessary
Assists with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tasks
Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.