Why should I hire a Doula?

Research indicates that Doulas do make a difference! Not only because there is an overall reduction in the use of drugs or the need for a cesarean section, but also because studies indicate that mom and baby both do better with a Doula's support. In a comparison with a control group of mothers who didn't have the continuous support of a Doula, research has documented the following benefits for mothers who have the continuous support of a Doula during labor and delivery:

Over C-Section rate lowered by 50%

Length of labor lowered by 25%

Oxytocin use lowered by 40%

Pain medication use lowered by 30%

Need for forceps lowered by 40%

Requests for epidurals lowered by 60%

Reduction of incidence of Maternal Fever

Questions to ask a prospective Doula

• What training have you had?
  
• Tell me (us) about your experience with birth, personally and as a doula.
  
• What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
  
• May we meet with you to discuss our birth plans and the role you will play in supporting me (us) through childbirth?
  
• May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?
  
• What care providers have you worked with? In what hopsitals have you attended births?
  
• When do you try to join women in labor? Do you come to our home or meet us at the hospital?
  
• Do you meet with me (us) after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?
  
• Do you work with one or more backup doulas (for times when you are not available)? May we meet them?
  
• What is your fee? Is any part of your fee refundable if you do not attend the birth?
  
• Can you provide references? (Be sure to check the references.)

When you meet the doula (and it is a good idea for both you and your partner to meet her), pay particular attention to your personal perceptions of the doula. Is she kind, warm and enthusiastic? Is she knowledgeable? Does she communicate well? Is she a good listener? Is she comfortable with your choices or does she seem to have her own agenda? Do you feel comfortable with her? You may want to interview more than one doula and make a comparison to help you find a doula who is right for you.

"We cannot tell what may happen to us in the strange medley of life, but we can decide what happens in us - how we take it, what we do with it - and that is what really counts in the end. How we take the raw stuff of life and make it into a thing of worth and beauty - that is the test of living."
- Joseph Fort Newton

Psalm 139:13-16 You are the one who put me together inside my mother's body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous! Of this I have no doubt. Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do.