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Serving the Los Angeles, Long Beach & Orange County areas
A Doula (which may also be called a Childbirth Assistant, Labor Support Professional, Labor Coach, or Birth Companion) is a woman who provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and immediately after the arrival of newborn(s).
A Doula does not replace the partner. Instead she helps support the partner so that he or she can love and encourage the laboring woman.
A Doula offers massage, suggestions for position changes, relaxation techniques, reminders to stay hydrated and keep her bladder empty. She also believes in a woman's ability to birth her baby.
Studies have shown that having a doula may decrease:
As well as an increase of:
For the most recent statistics on Doulas please visit DONA's position paper on the subject.
- Analgesia or Anesthesia use
- Cesarean birth
- Pitocin use
- Forceps or Vacuum Extractor use
- Length of Labor
- Incidence of Postpartum Depression
- Levels of Anxiety
As well as an increase of:
- Successful Breastfeeding
- A more positive birth experience
- Higher chance of spontaneous vaginal birth
- Having higher regard and increased sensitivity toward baby
For the most recent statistics on Doulas please visit DONA's position paper on the subject.
