Doulas: The Laboring Angels

By Julie Johnson

• Specially trained women helping women through childbirth.• Offer a continual presence vs. the hospital staff coming and

going.• Provide pre-natal visits to go over birth plans and birth

desires.• Give suggestions to help facilitate labor progress.• Massage, encourage and guide a woman throughout labor.• They have a bag full of labor aids that help eliminate the

discomforts during childbirth.

WHAT ARE DOULAS?

• Vaginal exams, or medical interventions.• Deliveries• Speak up for the woman; rather encourage her to voice her wishes• Take over Dad's role

WHAT DOULAS DON'T DO:

THE BONUSES

FOR HAVING A

DOULA

• 0% reduction in cesareans• 25 % reduction in the length of labor• 40% reduction in pitocin• 60% reduction in the need for epidurals• 30% more likely to be breastfeeding 6 weeks post-partum• Less incidences of post-partum depression• More bonding with the baby• Women experience a more satisfying birth experience