you're a... what now?

What is a doula?

Whenever I drop the word "doula" casually into a conversation, it's usually followed by a blank stare.

A doula is, generally, a labor coach. The word "doula" comes from old timey Greek, meaning "woman who serves" and was a slave who helped the lady of the house through childbearing and birth. These days a doula is generally the same, minus the slave bit.

There are actually two types of doula. A birth or labor doula is a woman who will sit with you while you try to tear her arm off in the middle of labor and try to beat her to death with it. AND she will usually smile and encourage you to do it, if it helps. A postpartum doula is a little different. This woman will come into your house, help with meals and chores and childcare while you get a chance to bond with your newest addition. Some women are trained in both labor and postpartum care.

What are the benefits of hiring a doula?

A doula is a woman experineced in childbirth who will provide you with continuous support through out your labor - physical, emotional, and informational. According to the book Mothering the Mother, by Kennell, Klaus, and Kennell, studies have shown women who choose to have a doula present at their births may benefit in the following ways:

50% reduction in cesarean rates
25% shorter labor
40% reduction in the use of oxytocin (pitocin)
60% reduction in epidural requests
40% reduction in forceps delivery
30% reduction in the use of pain medications

If you want to try a natural labor, a doula is a must! She will be your advocate, your coach, your gopher, your personal masseuse. She will be the one with your birth plan in hand, helping you follow it to the best of your ability. What she will not do is take the place of your significant other. In fact, doulas are trained to get your partner more involved, if that's your wish!

But I want an epidural! Can I still hire a doula?

For sure!

Most doulas will support you, no matter what you include in your birth plan! The only catch, for me at least, is that you know the risks and benefits of each intervention before you go into labor.

All right, but how much is this going to cost me?

Depending on where you live, the rate could be anywhere from $200 to $700. Some doulas will accept payment on a sliding scale. If you can find a doula student, she may offer her services for free, just for the experience!

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I love being a doula. I love the idea of helping women acheive their dream births. It's empowering, and life altering, and sacred. Unfortunately, working full time and going to school full time means I won't been able to support women like I'd like to. But it's all for the better good, my dears.

Next up... Some personal info about yours truly!