Julie Zamost,
M.A., C.N.C., C.D.
DONA Certified DOULA
Eugene, Oregon
(541) 434-2418

Prenatal Counseling
Labor and Birth Support

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 What is a doula?

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What is a doula?

 
  • A birth doula (also known as birth assistant, birth companion, or labor-support professional) is a woman who is trained and experienced in childbirth and who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before and during labor, birth, and the immediate postpartum period.
  • A doula understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor. She is a woman's advocate at a time when she is greatly in need of such assistance. The doula offers protection, empathy, support, nurturing, and guidance.
  • A doula helps to support the partner so that he/she can feel relaxed and secure in providing love and support in whatever way is need.
  • Doulas specialize in non-medical skills.  They do not perform clinical tasks, diagnose medical conditions, or offer medical advice.
  • Your doula cannot make decisions for you.  She will help you to get the information you need to make informed decisions, discuss your concerns with you, and suggest options.
  • Studies have shown impressive reductions in the need for pitocin, epidural anesthesia, episiotomy, and caesarian or suction deliveries in births that are offered labor support.
  • In addition, the continuous physical and emotional support provided by a doula can shorten labor, reduce infant complications, and positively influence a woman's feelings about herself, her labor and her baby, all of which lead to more successful bonding and breast feeding.