FAQ's About Doulas

What is a Doula?

Doula is an ancient Greek word that roughly translates to "a woman who serves." In modern times, the term doula has become the title of an individual who has training and experience as a labor companion. A doula is someone who supports a mother and her partner before, during and just after childbirth by providing them with continuous emotional support, physical comfort measures and assistance in obtaining up to date and evidence-based information regarding pregnancy, labor and the postpartum periods. 

What is the difference between a birth doula and a postpartum doula?

A Birth Doula is a doula with specific training and focus on labor and delivery. Birth doulas support a mother prior to labor by discussing the mother's (and partner's) ideal birth, help find research and information that supports the mother and her choices, explain the labor and delivery process, educate the mother about comfort measures and coping techniques and help answer any questions she may have prior to delivery. During labor, the doula joins the mother at her home or the hospital and stays with her throughout her labor, delivery and generally stays for a few hours postpartum as well. The doula supports the mother's choices throughout the labor process by providing emotional support and physical comfort measures (like hip compressions and gentle touch) and providing reassurance throughout the labor and delivery process. After delivery, the doula generally stays to help the mother with the baby's first feeding and to ensure the new family has extra support while also allowing them to bond. 
A Postpartum Doula is a doula with specific training and skills to help the mother and her family after delivery. Postpartum doulas provide much needed support to new mother's in those first few days and weeks in many different ways. The doula's services are oftentimes based upon the mother's postpartum needs; the doula may come and help with light housework so the mother and baby can bond or sleep or she may provide emotional support and education with breastfeeding. The doula is mindful of the mother's emotional state and provides an empathetic, supportive place for the mother to talk about any concerns she had with the delivery or problems adjusting to her knew role as a parent. Additionally, the doula can provide the mother and her partner with local area resources, such as a Lactation Consultant, as well as help find information if there are any questions or concerns that may arise during the postpartum period. 

What are the benefits of hiring a birth doula?

There are many benefits to hiring a birth doula.  Here is a brief list and a few links to clinical studies describing them:

• Women who hire doulas tend to have fewer medical interventions, are more likely to breastfeed and are less likely to have low birth weight babies (click here to read a study published by The Journal of Perinatal Education about the impact of doulas on healthy birth outcomes).
• Women who hire doulas tend to have fewer unplanned cesarean sections and fewer assisted deliveries with the use of forceps or vacuum extraction (click here for an excerpt of an article outlining the results of two studies regarding the outcomes of women who had continuous emotional support during labor vs women who did not).  
• Women who hire doulas tend to have more satisfaction in their birth experience, a strengthened mother-infant bond and more success with continuing to breastfeed long-term (click here for an excerpt from an article published in the Journal of Midwifery and Women's Health discussing the benefits of having a doula present during labor and delivery).

What is the difference between a Certified Doula, a Student Doula, and a Senior Doula?

A Certified Doula is a doula who has chosen an organization(s) to complete certification trainings and/or requirements with, and to adhere to the organizations Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.  Doulas are also likely to be required to pay fees for training as well as certification and membership dues.  Most certifying organizations require that doulas re-certify at specific intervals and usually require continuing education hours and/or client reviews.  Each certifying organization has its own set of guidelines and requirements for certifications, so if hiring a Certified Doula is important to you, it would benefit you greatly to familiarize yourself with the certifying organizations represented in your area as well as understanding what each organization expects from their doulas.  You can expect to Certified Doulas to charge slightly higher rates than Student Doulas, however there is no industry standard or regulation with what a doula may or may not charge for her services. 

A Student Doula is a doula who is working towards certification with a specific organization.  Student Doulas may or may not have previous birth or doula experience, as it is not required for doulas to be certified to provide labor support services.  Student Doulas with little or no birth experience may charge slightly lower rates than the average in your area, however it is very important to understand that studies have proven even doulas with minimal training positively impact birth outcomes.  Experience, training, and dedication to craft are all important traits when searching for doula services, however it is always worth looking at Student Doulas in your area who may be a better fit for your personal needs.  Students are just as dedicated and passionate as Certified Doulas! 

A Senior Doula is a birth or postpartum doula who has either chosen not to certify with an organization, or who has previously obtained certification and has chosen not to pursue re-certification.  Non-certified doulas may have decades of birth and labor support experience and are just as valuable as resources, if not moreso, as Certified Doulas.  Depending on her individual depth and breadth of experience, a Senior Doula may charge as much or more as Certified Doulas in your area.  

Can a doula perform simple medical services (cervical checks etc.)?

No.  A doula is there for the emotional and physical comfort support of the mother.  The mother's caregiver(s) - nurse/birth assistant and doctor/midwife - are responsible for the health and well-being of the mother and baby throughout her pregnancy and her delivery and are the ones who will be handling all medical tests, exams and procedures.

I am planning on getting an epidural during the birth of my child.  Can I still benefit from hiring a birth doula?

YES.  Birth doulas have training to assist and support mothers and their partners regardless of whether or not you are planning on an  unmedicated birth, plan to use narcotics and/or an epidural for pain relief, will be having an induction, are having a planned cesarean section or anything in between!  Doulas are there to support you and your decisions for your birth, whatever those may be.  
For those of you considering an epidural, having a birth doula to support you can be an invaluable asset in the delivery room.  Most caregivers require that a mother be in her active stage of labor (4-5cm dilated) before receiving an epidural or a spinal.  
Your doula will meet with you before your delivery to discuss and practice coping techniques to help manage your pain during this first part of labor and will join you at home or in the hospital to help and support you until you are able to receive the drugs.  They also may suggest and help support you in different positions to try while in the bed to help move the baby down through the birth canal.  They can also help provide much needed emotional support or answer questions if the mother or their partner experiences any anxieties or fears during the delivery process as well as remain by your side when your partner needs to take a break to eat or use the restroom.  Additionally, they will also be there to help support the mother during the first few hours postpartum and can help with the baby's first feeding or perhaps take those first few family pictures. 

I am having a planned cesarean section.  Can I still benefit from hiring a doula?

YES.  Whether your cesarean is planned or you have to have an unplanned one due to complications during your delivery hiring a doula can be immensely beneficial.  Remember, a doula is there solely for the emotional and physical comfort support of the mother so the manner of delivery does not impact their role in your birth plan.  
Prior to your cesarian, your doula will meet with you just like they would with any other mother and discuss your wishes for the birth of your child.  They may help provide resources and information about different "gentle" cesarean practices that you can then discuss with your obstetrician, or help you organize a birth plan highlighting your wishes for what should happen to the baby after delivery (do you want the baby placed immediately on your chest skin-to-skin or handed to your partner as soon as possible?).  Once you are in the recovery room, your doula can stay by your side while your partner stays with your baby in the nursery or they can assist with holding the baby while you nurse or bottle feed them for the first time.