Doula Service
A birth doula (pronounced ‘doola’) is a woman, experienced in childbirth, who offers
information, experienced support and advocacy to a woman (or couple) before, during
and after childbirth.
I believe that giving birth is a life-changing event, however, many women have a
really positive experience of birth, a life-enhancing event which they carry with
them into parenthood.
As a Doula, I strive to help women achieve this through companionship, information,
practical and emotional support during pregnancy, throughout labour, birth and early
parenthood.
I am based in Winchester am happy to support women within an approximate 15 mile
radius of this area, (including Southampton, Basingstoke and Andover)
What is a doula?
The word ‘doula’ derives from a Greek word meaning ‘a woman servant or care-giver’
but nowadays refers to a woman, experienced in childbirth, who offers information,
experienced support and advocacy to a woman (or couple) before, during and after
childbirth.
A doula is not a replacement for a midwife; the doula role is not medical but is
centred on the emotional and practical needs of the woman. A doula does not displace
the partner, rather a doula can ensure the partner’s needs are met so that the woman
and her partner can work more closely together. However, some partners may not want
an active role, in which case the doula can ensure the woman’s needs are met while
the partner can participate on a level with which he is most comfortable.
There is currently no requirement for a doula to meet any statutory training requirements.
However most doulas have given birth themselves and many have taken non-statutory
training organised by independent providers (see about me). Doulas work in different
ways, some are antenatal/birth doulas and provide limited postnatal care while others
specialise exclusively as postnatal doulas.
Why use a doula?
You may decide that you would like a doula simply to ensure that you have continuous
support during your labour and birth from somebody who understands your wishes and
who can advocate on your behalf if necessary.
‘…for many reasons special to our time, many women cannot rely on their own mother
and the father of the baby cannot also be a mother figure. That is why they need
a doula.’ Michel Odent
Research has shown that having a doula supporting you during birth can lead to:
- 25% shorter labour
- 50% reduction in a caesarean
- 60% reduction in epidural request
- 30% reduction in analgesia use
- 40% reduction in forceps delivery
(Klaus, Kendell & Klaus 1993 Mothering the Mother). Six weeks after the birth, mother who had doulas were:
- Less anxious and depressed
- Had more confidence with baby
- More satisfied with partner (71%vs 30%)
- More likely to be breastfeeding (52% vs. 9%)
(Statistics taken from ‘A Doula makes the Difference’ by Nugent in Mothering Magazine March-April 1998)
As a doulas I believe...
That a positive experience of birth empowers the woman and gives her confidence
and belief in her own abilities to be a mother, which in turn benefits the entire
family.
In order to achieve a positive experience of birth we believe the mother needs to
be in an environment in which she feels safe and relaxed, she has privacy and also
confidence in those supporting her.
That a doula is employed by the woman to listen, support and respond to her needs.
The doula is not there to replace or exclude the father, partner or family members.
That doulas should have a good understanding of the physiology of birth and the
postnatal period but should not give medical advice.
That it is important for the woman and her partner to be aware of all the options
available to them regarding pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period.
“…you don’t have any options if you don’t know what they are…”