What is a doula?

The word, "doula," comes from the Greek word for the most important female slave or servant in an ancient Greek household, the woman who probably helped the lady of the house through her childbearing. The word has come to refer to "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth." (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, Mothering the Mother)

Benefits of hiring a doula:

- 50% reduction in cesarean rate
- Shorter labour by at least 2 hours
- 60% reduction in epidural requests
- 40% reduction in oxytocin use
- 40% reduction in forceps delivery
(Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, Mothering the Mother)

Doulas contribute to the improved physical and emotional well being of mother and baby.