A doula is an experienced and specialy trained woman who offers emotional and
practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth.
She is not a medical professional. A doula does not make decisions for clients
or intervene in their clinical care. She provides informational and emotional
support, while respecting a woman's decisions.
The services offered by a doula vary greatly according to the needs of the
mother or parents-to-be.
Before Childbirth the doula usually meets with the mother (or couple) at least
once face to face, and then is available by phone or for additional meetings.
During Labour the doula offers help and suggestions on comfort measures such as
breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning. The doula can also encourage
the father to participate in the birth to a level at which he feels comfortable.
The doula's most important role is to provide nurturing, continuous support and
reassurance.
After childbirth the doula can help with breastfeeding and supports the new
family in her new role. The mother and the father can speak about their birth
experience and their feelings as parents.
Research shows that mothers (parents) who receive support from a doula:
feel better about their birth experience
have greater self-confidence
feel more secure and cared for
have less postpartum depression
spend more time with their babies
Research has also shown that having a doula present at birth in average:
reduces the mother's request for pain medication and/or epidurals
shortens labour
decreases the chance of caesarean section
decreases the use of oxytocine
helps fathers participate with confidence
increases success in breastfeeding
Findings from "The Doula Book"
Klaus, Kennell & Klaus, 2002
2001 - ČAD (Czech Doula Association) is founded
2002 - the first Czech doula training, opened by Henci Goer
2002 - ČAD joins the CIMS' Mother Friendly Childbirth Initiative and starts to
spread its materials translated in Czech among parents and professionals
2002 - 2003 lobbying in the Parliament to influence the law concerning midwifery
2003 - "The Rules of Ethics of the Czech Doula Association" are accepted
2004 - Czech translation of The Doula Book (Porod s dulou) is published
2004 - organization of talks and workshops given by Marshall and Phyllis Klaus
in the Czech Republic
2004 - ČAD is founding member of Fontanela - Coalition for Improving Maternity
and Parenting Services
2005 - the fifth training is being held
2005 - realization of two short films: Who Is a Doula (30´), Doulas in Czechia
(10´)
The Doula Training
twelve days of workshops held through a period of twelve months
individual home study, writing of a thesis
assistance at two births and reporting on them
The workshops are lead and facilitated by doulas, midwives, an
obstetrician, psychologists, lactation specialists and childbirth educators.
55 doulas participated in our trainings so far, 11 of them completed the entire
program and are certified by ČAD.
VJ, November 2005