Doulas
Suzanne Arms, Founder & President of Birthing The Future®
A doula (meaning a woman who mothers the mother) cares for the emotional and normal physical needs of a birthing woman. Unlike the husband or woman's chosen friend or relative, she is comfortable with labor and confident (even within the hospital system) to play the role of advocate for the birthing woman, when that is called for. Labor and delivery doulas specialize in attending labor continuously; this makes them especially valuable in hospital settings, where one-to-one care is absent.
A doula's unique role is to encourage the woman's self-confidence, help her find positions that are most comfortable and effective, protect her privacy, and to create a bubble around her that does not permit outside distractions, pressure, or fears from inhibiting the natural rhythm and progress of her labor.
Proven effectiveness
A highly respected series of studies done by pediatricians Marshall Klaus and John Kennell have proven that the routine use of labor and delivery doulas is safe, effective and cost-effective. Moreover, women who have been attended by a doula are far more satisfied with their care, less likely to sue, and more confident in their own ability to make decisions after birth. Most doulas work for little or no pay today because they are committed to creating normal birth in the hospital setting. As Dr. Kennell has said, "If a doula were a drug, it would be malpractice not to use it." John Kennel as quoted by Christiane Northrup in the video Giving Birth: Challenges & Choices.
Postpartum doulas attend the new family at home after the birth. They are invaluable supports to a new mother in a society that consistently disregards and neglects the physical and emotional needs of new mothers. They offer help in a wide range of tasks which include: getting breastfeeding established; caring for the baby while mom takes a shower or a nap; keeping the house clean; doing laundry; helping out with siblings; and generally protecting the privacy of the new family while enlisting support from friends and relatives.
Doulas fill the gap
America has no system for providing routine one-to-one labor support by nurses in hospitals. Obstetric and maternity nurses are fighting for their jobs today in our new "managed care system." America has no system for providing routine one-to-one postpartum care for mothers and babies in their own homes. Until such time as we move to a midwifery-based system of care, doulas will be increasingly important in America. It is time they get the attention and the financial remuneration they deserve.
Becoming A Doula
Doula training is available across North America. Birthworks (www.birthworks.org) and the Association of Labor Assistance and Childbirth Educators (server4.hypermart.net/alacehq) offer excellent training. Also contact DONA, the Doula Oganizations of North America at www.DONA.com for information on certification as well as DONA training, or for how to find a skilled doula near you.