your birth story starts with you.
What to Expect
What does a birth doula do?
A birth doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support and guidance to the birthing person and their partner before, during, and after labor. During the prenatal period a birth doula can help soon-to-be parents establish a birth plan based on the most up date research evidence as well as the parent’s preferences. During labor, a doula will help the birthing person maintain a sense of control, comfort, and confidence. This can be through physical support such as suggesting techniques in labor and/or emotional encouragement and reassurance. A birth doula remains with the laboring person, providing support, throughout the duration of labor to a few hours postpartum.
What does the research say?
Research has found that people who have the continuous support of a doula during childbirth experience
39% reduction in the risk of Cesarean section
40 minutes reduced labor time (on average)
31% reduction in the risk of the birthing person being dissatisfied with the birth experience
15% increase in the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth
*data and full article at Evidence Based Birth
* whether at home
* or in hospital
