by Alisa Parrent

The benefits of a doula are limitless, with many studies performed to provide the evidence that supports this.  Through these studies we can see a decrease in the amount of interventions that are used as well as the amount of complications that may arise during labor.  A women may also benefit from a doula by possibly shortening the length of her labor.  Fear can inhibit a woman from progressing in labor, but a doula can provide the comfort and support needed to release that fear while shortening the length of her labor.  IN a hospital setting, a doula can provide continuous support that the hospital staff may not be able to provide a woman in labor.  One of the most important benefits is the increase in positive perceptions that a mother has on her baby and herself after labor.  Maternal bonding is very important for the health of a new baby and the well being of the mother.  With postpartum depression rates soaring, it's vital that a mother feels positive about her birth experience or at least has the ability to talk about her negative feelings.  A doula can help facilitate this and be there to talk about the labor in their postpartum visits.

I've often hear "Why would I need a doula if I have my husband to support me?"  The perception that a doula would replace the father is false.  As a doula, I believe that my role is to help facilitate the support from the father and add an extra hand.  One of my favorite sayings is "My husband was my right hand, and my doula was my left." simply put and so true.  The purpose behind providing labor support is evident in the benefits listed above.  I also want to provide assurance to my clients that someone will be there to support them in every way possible and to help them achieve the birth plan that they desire.  By providing continuous emotional, physical, and informational support, I can help decrease the amount of anxieties and fear that a mother and father may have.  Sometimes fathers feel helpless during labor and in-turn feel left out of the birth experience.  Helping the father with his role in the birth can also create a better bond between himself and his wife and child.

Supporting a woman in labor goes back to ancient times when women would gather together to support one another in labor.  Having another woman present during labor provides that woman-to-woman connection that deepens the strength of a laboring woman.  I believe that the real purpose to supporting a woman during labor is to provide strength, love, and encouragement to the laboring woman.  The beneficial outcomes from providing this continuous support will truly be demonstrated in the end, when I feel the family has benefited from more than just my support.

A doula's responsibilities lie first and foremost with the client themselves.  As a doula, I want to keep my client's interests first, without interfering with the health and well-being of the mother and baby.  A doula should respect the privacy of her clients and keep in confidence any information that she may know about her client's history or current situation.  Being reliable is also important for a doula to be responsible for.  As scary as labor may seem for some women, having a reliable person that they can count on can help decrease their fears.  I believe that setting a reasonable and fair fee for my services and assisting those who may not be able to pay is also what a responsible doula would provide.  Providing free support when I can has also become an important part of my business.  I want to give back to the women of my community as much as possible.  I want to make sure that every woman that wants a doula can be provided with one if possible.  I owe it to my community to educate other on how beneficial doulas are to the birthing world.  The more we can spread the word, the more healthy and happy mothers, babies, and families we can hope for!