Doulas give emotional, physical, and sometimes spiritual support before, during, and after birth.

Doulas are educated to work within evidence-based standards of practice. The skills they develop are medically proven to make a true difference in the experience of birth.

Birth doulas are knowledgeable about pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum experience. They are advocates for the birthing couple's wishes.

An average contract with a doula includes 2 prenatal visits, continuous support during labor until 1-2 hours after the birth, and 1-2 postpartum visits. Additional visits can usually be arranged if desired. Fees for this service are affordable, and insurance may cover them.

All Corvallis doulas will gladly meet with you for a free interview to determine if they are the right doula for you. Because personal connection with a birth attendant is very important, we encourage all expectant parents to interview several doulas before choosing one.

*Studies have shown that women supported by a birth doula during labor have:

• ~ 50% reduction in cesarean sections
• ~ 60% reduction in epidural requests
• ~ 40% reduction in forceps delivery
• ~ 40% reduction in oxytocin use
• ~ 25% shorter labor

*Longer-term benefits have also been demonstrated in studies. Women supported by a birth doula during labor have:

• ~ 45% increase in breastfeeding rate at 2 days and at 6 months
• ~ 40% reduction in infant health problems at 6 weeks
• ~ 50% reduction in maternal depression at 6 weeks

Postpartum doulas are specially trained to offer sensitive, calming and knowledgeable personal assistance to nurture the new mother and family after the birth of a child. Postpartum doulas listen to the mother to validate and honor the normal adjustment process. Having emotional and physical needs met is the best way to ease into the bonding and recovery process after childbirth.

Postpartum doulas come into the home and offer much needed support to the new family. A postpartum doula may do light housekeeping, prepare meals, run errands, help facilitate breastfeeding, offer evidence-based baby care suggestions, encourage sibling adjustment and help nurture the mother. Due to the flexibility in care that a postpartum doula can offer, her services are customizable to what a new family needs.

The benefits of postpartum care include:

• Increased breastfeeding success
• Less exhaustion, anxiety and apprehension in the early weeks
• Greater understanding of newborn emotional and physical needs and behavior
• Increases parents confidence in their parenting skills
• Facilitates parent-infant bonding
• Hiring a postpartum doula gives relatives and friends an opportunity to give constructive help

* Summarized from: Klaus, Kennel, and Klaus. 2002. The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth. Cambridge, MA: Da Cap Press. 243 p.