What is a doula?

Doula is a Greek word meaning a woman who serves. In labor support terminology, doula refers to a specially trained birth companion (not a friend or loved one) who provides labor support. She performs no clinical tasks. Doula also refers to lay women who are trained or experienced in providing postpartum care (mother and newborn care, breastfeeding support and advice, cooking, child care, errands, and light cleaning) for a new family. To distinguish between the two types of doulas, the terms birth doulas and postpartum doulas are used.

No. The doula enhances the couple's experience by providing continuous support, as it is needed.  Doulas can model these techniques for the father or partner, allowing them to better support the laboring woman.

Does having a Doula mean only natural childbirth?

No.  It is your birth experience.  You and your support people decide what are the best choices for you.  Doulas can assist with Cesarean births and in births where epidurals are used.  If you wish to have a medication-free birth experience, a doula can assist you with alternative pain releif measures.  They will also provide breastfeeding support after the birth, if desired.

How does a Doula partner with the medical staff?

The doula is part of your team, providing physical and emotional support.  The doula provides non-clinical care for the laboring woman and partner.  Doulas do not perform cervical exams or fetal monitoring.  Doulas use safe and gentle meaures to comfort the laboring woman.  The nurse midwife, nurse, and doctor monitor the clinical aspects.  Doulas do not make decisions for the mother or partners, but can assist in creating a birth plan.

The Economics of a Doula's Fee

Scheduling - When a doula contracts with you for labor and birth, she needs to limit other clients
for that period to avoid conflicts and be reasonably rested when you need her. She may turn
away potential clients to be available for you. Doulas usually commit four weeks of total
availability for each mother, two weeks on either side of her due date. During that time she
should provide you with a way to contact her 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Hours - Couples having a first baby may imagine that a doula will only be spending a few hours
with them during the labor and birth. In reality, an eight-hour labor would be considered quick.
The “average” first time mom’s labor is between 12 and 19 hours, so let’s call it 16 hours. There are about another 10 hours in prenatal and postpartum meetings, and at least another hour or two in phone calls. All of this is in addition to being on call for you full time at the end of your pregnancy.

Expenses- Independent doulas must consider their expenses just as you do. Bookkeeping,
advertising, pager service, cell phone service, office supplies, travel expenses, liability insurance,
membership fees, self-employment taxes, a small number of labor support tools, reading, and
continuing education.

No one becomes wealthy doing labor support work. Most independent doulas in this area charge
anywhere from $300 (at the very lowest) to up to $2,000 (in New York City or New Jersey). The
fee charged usually reflects the economy of the area as well as the doula’s experience and
certification status. Some doulas attend their first few births at no charge or at a lower fee when
they are just learning or working towards certification. After they certify (if they choose to certify)
they charge clients as others do.

Adapted from the original written by Karen N. Kilson. Used with permission.