Doula Service, Armagh.
(Northern Ireland)
Helping to make it "YOUR"
birth experience.
Birth & Postnatal Doula.
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter.
What Is A Doula?
A Doula is traditonally a woman who is trained to offer both practical and emotional support during pregnancy, labour, the birth and after the birth of your baby. Doula's are not medically trained and should not replace the care given by your midwife, although they will have a wide experience of childbirth. Their main focus is to give the mother the extra support and reassurance she needs to get through the birth and the first few weeks after birth. There are two types of Doula:- The Birth Doula.
- The Postnatal Doula.
Please read -The True Value of Professional Labour Support.
Why Use A Doula?
Research has shown that having a Doula alongside you during the birth process can lead to:
- 50% reduction of cesarean rate.
- 25% shorter labour.
- 60% reduction in epidural request.
- 30% reduction in analgesia used.
- 40% reduction in forceps delivery.
Source - "Mothering the Mother". (Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, 1993)
Here are some vital statistics:
|
No Doula |
Doula | |
| Caesarean Deliveries |
18% |
8% |
| Forceps Delivery |
26% |
8% |
| Epidural |
55% |
8% |
| Prolonged Breastfeeding |
29% |
51% |