Birth Doulas
Birth doulas are trained professionals who support the birthing person and entire family during the birth of a child. They usually meet the family several times before the birth in order to connect with the mother and family and learn about their unique needs. Birth doulas provide information if and when their client needs it, comfort measures, reassurance, and most important, continued support during the entire labor and birth (they don't leave the birthing person alone).
“Evidence suggests that, in addition to regular nursing care, continuous one-to-one emotional support provided by support personnel, such as a doula, is associated with improved outcomes for women in labor.”
— The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Birth doulas offer support wherever their client decides to labor and to give birth. Whether at home, in a hospital, or birthing center, doulas offer one-to-one continuous support. While midwives and doctors focus on the health and safety, doulas focus on the mother’s comfort. In the photo below, Kari Yazejian of Carry You Through Doula Services, Inc, supports this mother together with her partner.
Mandi Arnold of Honeybee Babies and Birth, supports her client at home in South New Jersey, USA. Photo credit: Bachman Portraits
Birth doulas usually meet with their clients several times before the birth. They may help to create a comfortable and relaxing birth space for the mother. They are present throughout the labor and birth, offering practical and emotional support for the entire family, however they may need it.
Maeve Peterson Miller of Calico Doula Services paints with siblings as their mother does the hard work of labor with her midwife and partner (pictured in the following photo).
Midwives who have an established relationship with the mother can also provide the much needed social support during birth. Marisol Holman, Certified Professional Midwife of Sol Midwifery Services in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, embraces her client shortly after birth. Photo credit: Renée Mason of Indiana Birth Photography.
“Benefits of dirth doula support: shortened labor, decreased need for analgesia, fewer operative deliveries, and fewer reports of dissatisfaction with the experience of labor.”
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2019
