Why a Birth Doula?

A continuous birthing companion through the entirety of your pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

What the research says

Research shows how having a continuity of care from the same support person throughout your birth improves several health outcomes for both the mother and her baby.

  • Women may be more likely to have a vaginal birth (without the need for caesarean, forceps or vacuum extraction)
  • Are less-likely to use pain-medications
  • Generally have shorter births
  • Are more satisfied with their birth outcomes
  • Are at lower risk of postpartum depression
  • If you choose to, helps breastfeeding go smoother

The Click

It is important that you feel aligned and a connection with your doula. For this reason, it is usually wise to find someone who speaks the same language, or comes from a similar culture to you, or to one that you feel affiliated with. Usually a doula will offer the first meeting for free to see if there is this click.

Antenatal Support

A birth doula is not just present at the birth, but provides support antenatally by meeting you several times. This is a great way to get to know each other, ask questions, voice fears and concerns, work on your birth plan and properly consider all your options. If you have had previous births, it can also be incredibly helpful to discuss these with a doula before going into labour, to help you process anything you may need to. It's always good to have a real understanding of the physiology of birth beforehand and your doula can help you with this.

Support for all labours and all births

Any pregnancy is a birth, regardless of the outcome. Doulas support all births and are non-judgmental in every instance. Home births, cesarean sections, inductions, water births, free births - your doula will support and hold space for whatever it is that you need, ensuring your environment is kept calm and that you feel safe to birth your baby your way. A birth doula will be by your side for all of it.

Continuous Support

With a birth doula, you have a present, empathetic person support to you, when you need it. Your doula will usually be contactable by email or phone throughout your pregnancy, going on call for you 24/7 usually around week 38 until your baby arrives. Your doula can reassure you over the phone once you go into labour, and attend you from whatever point you need, at home or in hospital or a birthing center.

Support after birth

Your doula will usually visit you within a few days to a few weeks of your birth. This will be a wonderful opportunity to recount your birth story and begin to process the experience. Some doulas also offer more comprehensive postpartum support. There are different approaches to this, but a main key should always be to keep that oxytocin flowing.

Research Papers

Analyses/Reviews