Why use a Doula?

Using a Doula can:


  • Reduce cesarean rates by 26-50%
  • Reduce the length of labor by 25%
  • Reduce Pitocin use by 40%
  • Reduce the use of narcotics by 30%
  • Reduce the need for forceps by 30%
  • Reduce the use of epidurals by 60%


It can also:


  • Make it more likely to have spontaneous vaginal birth
  • Make it more likely for you to be satisfied with your birth experience
  • Increase the time you spend with baby
  • Improve breastfeeding outcomes
  • Make it less likely for baby to have low (<5) APGAR Scores
  • Decreases Postpartum Depression


Credit given to Evidence Based Birth: Evidence for Doulas  for the statistics.

Birth Doula Do's and Don'ts

Do's

  • Provide Comfort: We can offer counterpressure, position guidance, breathing techniques, positive affirmations, pain mitigation, emotional support, etc.
  • Offer Information: We can educate on labor stages, pain management options, positioning options, using evidence-based info to help parents understand choices.
  • Amplify Voice: Help parent(s) communicate their needs to medical staff; we advocate with you, but we don't speak for you.
  • Support Partner: We coach your partner on how to help effectively and offer breaks as needed.
  • Maintain the Calm: We can create a peaceful atmosphere using music, adjusting lighting, minimizing distractions, etc.
  • Respect Boundaries: We enter the space with humility, focusing on your needs, not our own experiences.


Don'ts

  • NO Medical Tasks: we don't perform cervical checks, fetal heart monitoring, or other clinical duties.
  • NO Medical Advice: We don't diagnose or prescribe; we will refer to medical staff for clinical questions.
  • NO Decision-Making: We don't make choices for you; we support your decisions and help you advocate for yourself.
  • NO Replacing Partner:  We don't take over the partner's role we teach them how to provide comfort and support.
  • NO Pushing of Opinions: We don't push personal beliefs or philosophies onto you.


Postpartum Doula Do's and Don'ts

DO's

  • Supporting the Mother: We can provide care to baby while parent(s) get an opportunity to do self care tasks (bathe, rest, sleep, eat, tend to other children), offer reminders (eating, hydration, resting, sleeping), be an emotional support, and be a non-judgmental presence.
  • Light Housekeeping: We can assist with baby laundry, tidying common areas, washing dishes, running small errands, or light meal prepping.
  • Newborn Care: We can show you baby soothing techniques, bathing, nail care, temperature taking, etc. We can teach you about breast pump or bottle sterilization and cleaning, bottle preparation, feeding positions, etc.
  • Sibling Support: We can offer ideas to help integrate other siblings to baby.
  • Information and Referrals: We can provide evidence-based information and give you referrals to other medical professionals if needed. 


DON'Ts

  • NO Medical Advice:  We cannot diagnose, prescribe meds, perform clinical tasks (taking vitals, changing wound dressings,
  • NO Heavy Cleaning: We don't scrub floors, clean bathrooms, or deep clean; our focus is on nurturing you and baby.
  • NO Imposing Beliefs: We are there to support your unique parenting style without judgment or pushing our personal philosophy.
  • NO Babysitting: Our main role is supporting the mother, we will provide baby care to ensure that the parent(s) are able to care for themselves. We do not provide full-time childcare for older kids.