St. Francis Doula Services



What is a Doula?


The term “doula” is Greek for “women’s helper.” A Doula is a trained labor support woman who is an experienced mother herself. A Doula does not replace the highly skilled Obstetrical (OB) Nurses or Dad, who is coaching and supporting his partner through labor and birth. She cares for the whole family, encouraging, supporting, and explaining the process of labor and delivery.
 


How do I request Doula Services at St. Francis?


A fee of $90 is required prior to receiving Doula Services at St. Francis. Payment can be made at Hospital Pre-Registration or at the Business Office.
 
Download Doula Request Form, to be submitted and paid with your OB Registration paperwork.



Who are the Doulas?


The nationally-certified Doulas at St. Francis are available to attend a mother-to-be for the duration of her labor and birth, offering emotional support and physical comfort measures, such as massage.

You can meet the Doulas in person and find out more about their services at one of our "Meet the Doula" information sessions. Check out our Parent Education Program  for class calendars and to see how to register for a session.
 


Why use a Doula?


OB Nurses are experienced in dealing with a laboring woman’s emotional and physical needs, but as they attend to additional clinical duties, the Doula can help with other needs and provide continuous labor support.

A doula provides:
• explanations of medical procedures
• emotional support during labor and birth
• help with preparation of a birth plan
• massage and other non-pharmacological pain relief
• positioning suggestions during labor and birth
• support for the partner so that they can love and encourage the laboring woman


Statistics indicate positive effects for lengths of labor, C-section rates, and overall patient satisfaction when using a Doula. According to Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier and Healthier Birth, doula services have provided:
 
• 50% reduction in cesarean rates
• 25% reduction in time of labor
• 60% reduction in epidural requests
• 40% reduction in oxytocin (pitocin) use
• 30% reduction in analgesia use
• 40% reduction in forceps delivery
 

 

What about Dad?


The father or partner may be better able to provide continuous support, but probably has little actual experience in dealing with the labor. Even fathers who have had intensive preparation are often surprised at the amount of work involved. More importantly, many fathers experience the birth as an emotional journey of their own and can find it hard to be objective in such a situation.
 
Some fathers or partners are concerned they may be sidelined or replaced by the Doula during labor. Studies have shown that fathers usually participate more actively during labor in the presence of a Doula than without one. A responsible Doula supports and encourages the father and enhances his support style rather than replaces him.
 



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