Article in the Comox Valley Record

Check out this wonderful article about the 2010 Bellies Birth and Babies Fair in our local Read more...

Bellies Birth and Babies Fair 2010

The Bellies, Birth and Babies (Fair) much BIGGER this year! The Comox Valley Doulas are hosting their second annual Bellies, Birth and Babies Fair ...

A Peek into the Role of a Doula

Steph Janzen a member of The Comox Valley Doulas has written a wonderful article for Our Big Earth Check it out Read more...

What is a Doula?

If you are pregnant, know someone who is, or simply thinking of having children in the future, you may want to consider having a Doula at the birth. The word doula comes from the Greek and means 'woman caregiver of another woman'.

A doula provides emotional and physical support to the birthing woman and her partner and remains by the woman's side during the entire labour. She can assist with methods of pain relief such as relaxation techniques, tension-releasing breathing, position changes, visualization and appropriate touch and massage. She provides nurturing, helpful and objective support and facilitates the involvement of any family members chosen to be present at the birth. She does not, however, perform any medical procedures.

Besides labour support, most doulas also provide some prenatal and postpartum services such as assistance in preparing for the birth, establishing a birth plan and supporting the breast feeding relationship.

Various trials have shown that doula support before, during and after labour can decrease the length of labour, the use of oxytocin, pain medications and epidurals, and the number of forceps deliveries and caesarian sections. Some other benefits of a doula may be improved breast feeding and decreased postpartum depression.