What is a Doula?

Since today is International Women's Day, I thought it would be appropriate to bring awareness to a uniquely female experience: becoming a mother. Becoming a mother includes pregnancy, labour and delivery, as well as the postpartum period.

Traditionally, women in villages would support one another through this process. Today, these women are called 'Doulas' which comes from ancient Greek meaning "Woman's Servant." This means that a doula provides emotional support, knowledge, and comfort techniques to a birth. Examples of what a birth doula can do for you during a birth:

• Give information regarding where you are in labour and determine when you need to go to the hospital
• Keep you and your partner hydrated and fed
• Give tips to your birth partner
• Provide massage, acupressure, hot/cold packs and towels and other comfort techniques

Unlike Obstetricians and Midwives, a birth doula rarely leaves your side. Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated that a doula's presence at birth:

• Tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
• Reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
• Reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction
• Reduces the requests for pain medication and epidurals, as well as the incidence of cesareans
• Babies have shorter hospital stays and breastfeed more easily

Beyond birth, there are also postpartum doulas. These women come to your house to help you be the best mom you can be. They give information regarding breastfeeding and caring for your baby, and do light housework. Postpartum doulas nurture both parents into their new roles.

A doula does not diagnose or prescribe any medication or supplements. They can pass on resources and send you to people who do!

It is extremely exciting being both a Naturopathic Doctor and a Doula ('Naturopathic Doula.') This allows me to use acupuncture (especially pre-labour acupuncture which is immensely helpful). I can also use homeopathics and other remedies to ease labour. I have now attended 4 births and have 3 in the next month and a half. I'm looking forward to each and every special moment.

The company that I have been doing my doula work with is Bebo Mia. They are a great resource for fertility, pregnancy and parenting!

Here is a great video on why a doula is The Essential Ingredient (from Dona International).

Yours in health,

Sarah Oulahen HBHSc, ND