Benefits of hiring a doula:

  • decrease in the risk of Cesarean

  • Increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth

  • decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief

  • Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average

  • decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five minute Apgar score

  • decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

  • "The Evidence for Doulas," Evidence Based Birth. 

As a doula:

  • I accompany women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying brith experience.

  • I provide emotional support, physical comfort measures and assist you, the client, to gain information needed to make informed decisions as they arise in labor.

  • I provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestion for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning, and other techniques for comfort.

As a doula I DO NOT:

  • Perform clinical tasks such as taking blood pressure, listening to fetal heart tones, or doing vaginal exams.

  • Make decisions for you. I will help you get the necessary information for you to make an informed decision. I will remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan.

  • Speak to the staff instead of you regarding matters where decisions are being made. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you and your partner will speak on your behalf to the clinical staff.