The Purpose and Value of Labor Support

What is a birth doula? Simply put, a birth doula is a trained, non-medical birth professional who always has their client's best interest in mind. A birth doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support to mother, baby, and the whole family before, during and after birth. When a family hires a doula, she will be there supporting them every step of the way. If the mother needs information about her options for birth, her doula is ready to provide her with resources and evidence-based information. If the laboring woman needs relief from the intensity of her contractions, her doula is there with helpful comfort measures and words of affirmation. Birth doulas positively benefit Modern Maternity Care. Pregnant Women benefit from knowing that their birth doula is working continuously to help them have a safe and satisfying birth experience. Families benefit from having a doula as a source of knowledge to turn to as they learn how to best support the pregnant mother during labor and birth. Finally, the continuous care of a birth doula is associated with better birth outcomes and more satisfying births.

DONA International’s Position Paper states that, “The doula’s goal is to help the woman have a safe and satisfying childbirth as the woman defines it.” No other member of the birth team can give one hundred percent of their attention to ensuring that the mother achieves her ideal birth experience. This is what makes doulas a necessary part of Modern Maternity care. By paying attention to the mother’s emotional needs the birth doula is saying to her, “I see you. I’m here for you every step of the way. What you want in this moment is important to me too. The support doesn't stop once the baby is born. In fact, part of DONA International's Standards of Practice for Birth Doulas is providing pre and postpartum support to the mother. Doulas are committed, and that commitment has the power to change the way a woman remembers her birth experience.

Doulas work hard to establish healthy relationships with the families they work with. A common misconception about birth doulas is that they take the place of the woman’s family members, but that’s entirely impossible, because a doula can never match the support of the father, sibling, or other loved one. “...the baby’s father or other loved one is essential in providing support for the woman.” (Dona International Birth Doula Position Paper). Doulas want to educate and teach families how to best support their loved one every step of the way.

Scientists have been studying the benefits of continuous labor support for years. Their conclusion? Women with continuous labor support have better birth outcomes. Research shows that having a doula in the labor room is associated with more positive birth experiences, improves the bond between mother and baby, and reduces the chances of complications. The birth doula's purpose is to help women achieve the best possible birth outcomes and as they do, they consistently prove to scientists that their role is necessary.

In conclusion, birth doulas positively benefit Modern Maternity care by supporting their client’s birth preferences, encouraging families to fill their roles, and helping women achieve better birth outcomes. When a woman receives the care of a birth doula she receives support, comfort, education, and the opportunity to have the birth of her dreams.