What is a Doula?
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
A Birth Doula:
- Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
- Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth by making themselves available to the mother by phone to answer questions or explain any developments that may arise in pregnancy.
- Begins a relationship with her clients a few months before the baby is due. During this time, they establish a relationship that gives the mother complete freedom to ask questions, express fears and concerns, and take an active role in creating a birth plan
- Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions.
-Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
- Does not provide any type of medical care. However, she is knowledgeable in the medical aspect of labor and delivery so she can help her clients get a better understanding of procedures and complications that may arise in late pregnancy or during delivery. She facilitates communication between the laboring woman, father, and clinical care providers
Postpartum Doulas
- Are there to support you in your first weeks of being a mom. They provide informational support about feeding and caring for the baby. They provide physical support by cleaning, cooking meals, newborn and sibling care, and filling in when mom needs a break, and they provide emotional support by encouraging a mom during those times when she feels overwhelmed.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend births, labors are shorter with fewer complications, and babies are healthier and breastfeed more easily. Below are some statistics from nine nationwide studies over 18 years showing how doulas improve the birth experience by consistently reducing hospital stays and the need for certain medical procedures.
With a doula, a mother is:
- 40% less likely to need or use pitocin
- 35% less likely to use pain medication during labor and birth
- 60% less likely to request an epidural
- 57% less likely to need forceps during birth
- 51% less likely to need or have a Cesarean Section
- 86% more likely to achieve a VBAC
Who needs a Doula?
Anyone having a baby can use a doula. Some people believe that doulas are only for women who want an unmedicated birth. This is not true. Doulas have very important roles to play in medicated labors and also during cesareans, ensuring that the mother is supported.
About Ruthy Green
Women who are planning a natural birth often do hire doulas to help increase their support team, as do women desiring a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean. High risk mothers often feel the need to have someone taking care of her family emotionally while she is receiving the best in high technological care from her clinical staff. Sometimes single mothers will choose doulas because of the lack of support from family or her partner.
I am a trained ToLabor professional birth and postpartum doula serving the Richmond, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Farmville and surrounding areas. I am a married Christian mother of 12 hospital and home-birthed children. I have experience working with midwives and doctors in both home and hospital settings since 1992. Through my own personal study and professional training, I can offer my clients knowledge, encouragement, and support through their birth experience and beyond.
As a Christian, I firmly believe pregnancy, childbirth and parenting to be tremendous blessings bestowed upon us and as such, should be approached with an utter reliance on God’s grace to strengthen us for the task. I assist my clients with both practical helps and faith-based prayer support.
Let's talk!
Choosing a support person for your birth is a very personal matter. I do encourage you to contact me so we can discuss your individual needs and desires for doula care.
Ruthy Green
Graceful Birthing of Virginia
P.O. Box 862
Powhatan, VA 23139
ruthvgreen@juno.com
