Forget about the diamonds, says Guelph, Ontario, mother of three Karen Campbell: doulas are a girl's best friend.

"I had a doula present at the birth of my youngest child, Harrison, sixteen months ago. The doula knew exactly what I needed and how to support me during labour. She rubbed my lower back, poured warm water over my belly while I laboured in the tub, and provided me with support and encouragement. Just having her there gave me a great sense of security."

Much ado about doulas

Hearing a lot of buzz about doulas? Here's what you need to know. There are two basic types of doulas: birthing doulas (who help couples to write a birth plan and then offer support during labour and the first few hours after the birth) and postpartum doulas (who provide a reassuring mix of motherly advice, breastfeeding assistance, and hands-on help with household chores like cooking and cleaning during the days and weeks after baby's arrival). Some doulas offer both types of services to their clients, while others specialize in one service or the other.

Virtually unheard of a decade ago, doulas are now well-established players in the birthing arena--and for good reason. Research has shown that women who use the services of a doula are less likely to require pain medication during labor, a forceps delivery, a caesarean section, or to experience a prolonged labour and are more likely to feel satisfied with their birth experience. And as if that weren't enough to sell you on the virtues of doulas, a recent study at the University of Texas at Houston Medical School concluded that women who use doulas are more nurturing towards their babies two months down the road than women who opt for doula-free deliveries.

The growing body of research supporting doulas makes perfect sense to Ottawa-area doula Julie Keon: "A doula can boost a woman's confidence in her own abilities and reduce her fear and anxiety. People often tell me that they couldn't have gone through labour without me. Of course, they could have, but it shows how much the support of a doula means to them."

How to find a doula

Sold on the idea of having a doula attend your birth? Here's what to ask when you start shopping around for the right doula:

Are you accredited through Doulas of North America (DONA)?
How many births have you attended?
What is your philosophy about childbirth?
What role do you see yourself playing at our baby's birth?
Do you work with a backup doula? If so, could we meet her ahead of time?
What services do you provide?
Can you provide us with references?
What are your fees?

Note: You can expect to pay between $300 and $600 for the services of a birthing doula and a fixed hourly rate for the services of a postpartum doula (rates vary tremendously from one part of the country to another, but $15-$20/hr. is fairly typical).

You can get leads on doulas in practice in your community by contacting your local midwifery practice or childbirth association by contacting Canadian Doulas or Doulas of North America.

Happy birthing!

About the Author:

Ann Douglas is one of North America's leading pregnancy writers. Her books include The Unofficial Guide to Having a Baby ,Trying Again : A Guide to Pregnancy After Miscarriage Stillbirth and Infant Loss, and The Mother of All Pregnancy Books: An All-Canadian Guide to Conception, Birth and Everything In-Between. Ann is frequently quoted in the media on a range of parenting-related topics, and has appeared as a guest on a number of television and radio shows.

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Copyright © 2001 Ann Douglas, All Rights Reserved Reprinted with Permission