  ... is a Greek word referring to a woman servant. The
word has come to mean a woman, trained and experienced in childbirth,
who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support
to the mother before, during, and after childbirth. The wisdom and
support of experienced women mentoring other women is an ancient
tradition and has been recognized worldwide.  Evidence suggests that when a doula provides continuous labour support, women are more satisfied with their experience and the mother-infant interaction can be enhanced. Research shows that parents who receive support feel more secure and cared for, and are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics. They have greater success with breastfeeding, greater self-confidence, and have less postpartum depression. Additionally, birth outcomes demonstrated impressive reductions in risk for major abdominal surgery, instrument delivery, and use of analgesia or anesthesia. (DONA International and Maternity Centre Association-2003 study) |
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