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Accompanying and caring for women.
Why should I have a doula?
Because the Doula is a trustworthy person that will accompany you throughout your maternity process. She will be by your side to support your informed choices and feelings. By maternity process I mean all the phases included between the intention of having a child, or conception, until the post childbirth.
Some women and couples look for a doula before the baby's conception, while some do it after the childbirth. Whichever stage of your pregnancy you may be, it's always the perfect moment to find your doula.
What is a doula?
A doula is a professional that provides continuous support to pregnant women. She provides information, emotional and physical support from pre to post-childbirth. The doula is not a nurse or a midwife, nor a healthcare professional.
The etymology of the word doula comes from the Greek and in this context, it refers to a woman who is in the service of another woman. There are various types of doulas, some dedicated to pregnancy and delivery, while others in the post-partum phases. There are also doulas specialised in end-of-life support.
Present in various ways in various cultures, the doula profession emerged as a new profession in the late 20th century in the West. Today it is a recognised profession, supported by various institutions including the World Health Organisation (WHO).
An American study ( click here for more details ) carried out with 686 women, count among the benefits of the follow-up by a doula:
. simpler delivery;
. reduction of cesarean sections;
. reduced duration of childbirth;
. reduction of use of painkillers;
. reduction of use of forceps.
Several other studies carried out with tens of thousands of women around the world ( click here for more details ) confirm that the comforting and continuous presence of a companion during the childbirth reduces the risks and also reduces the need for painkillers.
