The benefits of having a trained
Doula 4
Studies have shown that having a doula
present during labour:
Shortens the labour process (Campbell et al,
2006; Langer et al 1998),
6educes caesarean section rates (Thomassen
et al, 2003; Scott et al 1999; Kennell et al, 1991)
Has a positive effect on breastfeeding (Langer
etal, 1998).
:nhances the wellbeing of mothers and babies,
reduces the need for medical assistance,
mothers feel better about themselves, more
positive about the labour and bond more
easily with their babies (Marshall H Klaus, John H
Kennell and Phyllis H Klaus, The Doula Book,
Cambridge, Perseus Publishing, 2002)
Provides continuous support in labour
increasing the chance of a spontaneous
vaginal birth (i.e. give birth with neither
caesarean nor vacuum nor forceps), women
were less likely to use pain medications, had
slightly shorter labours, had no identified
adverse effects and women were more
satisfied. (www.cochrane.org)
Improves mothers perception of her
experience of labour, her ability to cope with
labour, herself as a woman and of her body
(Gordon, Walton, McAdam, Derman, Gallitero and
Garrett 1998)
Improves mothers self-esteem, lowers anxiety
and reduces depression at 6 weeks
post-partum (www.bellybelly.com.au)
What does a Doula doA
Anywhere! A doula works in birth centres,
A doula offers:
Brofessional birth support to you, your
partner and your family. Bhysical,
emotional and informational support during
pregnancy, labour and beyond, along with
the comfort of experienced continuity of
care.
This is usually done via:
!" a specific number of visits to your home
during Pregnancy
!" assistance in birth planning and preparation
!" accompanying you to hospital / specialist /
caregiver visits
!" working through your fears
!" teaching relaxation techniques
!" providing information, resources and
emotional support throughout pregnancy.
A doula is on call 24/7 for approx 2 weeks
before and after your due date or as required.
The role of the doula during labour and birth is to
enhance the experience for you and your
partner. The doula will be there from the time
you call for as long as you need her.
Bostnatal visits to help your new family to bond
with your new baby, help with general baby
care, feeding options or just to be those extra
hands.
Et is important to clarify exactly what each doula
offers and choose the one that suits you and
your partner best.
Where a Doula works 4
private and public hospitals and at
homebirths, always in conjunction with
midwives / doctors – never as the sole care
giver.
Doulas work privately with you and are
not employed by your midwife / doctor or
by the hospital. As a courtesy to your
midwife / doctor it is advised that you inform
them of your choice to include a doula in
your birth team.
Doulas provide balanced information so you
can make your own decisions.
Bricing
Prices vary depending on the services
offered, the doula’s experience and what
other skills your doula offers. Your doula may
be professionally trained in areas such as
yoga, remedial massage, naturopathy,
homeopathy, and more.
What a Doula isn’t4
Doulas are not medically trained. They do
not perform clinical tasks, give medical
diagnosis/advice or second opinions. The
doula’s non-medical support leaves your
midwife/doctor more available to care for
you and your baby.
Do E still need childbirth education
classesA
Absolutely! It is vital that both you and your
partner learn about the birth process.
Sharing a class with other expectant
couples adds to your experience and better
prepares you for an extraordinary day!
 Doulas in South Australia Professional Birth Support
How do Doulas and Bartners work Paula Bruckard
togetherA Myrtle Bank, 0411 983 723

Luci Bubner
Doulas work as part of the birth team. Her
Lockleys (Henley Beach), 0417 877 708
knowledge and experience can help partners,
family and/or friends participate comfortably
at the birth. Natasha Chant
Semaphore, 0433 100 242
The Doula can give other support people ideas,
reassurance and a rest. Her role is to "be there Jayne Hawkins
for you" and help you have the best possible Gawler South, 0406 430 919
birthing experience, and she does this by

Please note many doulas are happy to travel

working with whoever else is there - and by Helen Hriskin
supporting them also. Stepney, 0412 225 532

A Doula can never replace the love and Jane Ireland

caring that family and friends can provide Cowandilla, 0402 473 712
during the birth experience. No one else can fill
this special role. Melissa Serafin
Loxton, 0438413869 Doulas of South Australia
Marcia Stillwell
Stirling, 0415 746 920 / 8339 6760

Jen Watkins !a!Doula’s!passion!is!to!

Aldgate, 0402 082 169 / 8339 7543
Kellie Clark (trainee)
Clapham, 0407 112 799
Kirsten Forrester (trainee)
“A very special thank-you… You Barossa, 0438 807 858
made such a difference at the birth
for us both, encouraging me when it Julia Fry (trainee)
all seemed too hard and helping me Dulwich (Burnside), 0407724628
achieve the birth that has given our
little girl the best start in life. Emma Kingsford-Smith (trainee)
Thanks for sharing this special time Adelaide (city), 0404 388 284
with us.”
Jill - Adelaide Angela Lambe (trainee)
Morphett Vale, 0434 571 517
Bronni Simpson (trainee)
Mitcham, 0402 423 103
support!women!and!their!
families!to!create!their!own!!
memorable!and!unique!
journey!through!!
pregnancy,!labour!and!!
parenthood!
“With a doula there, I could fully
concentrate on my wife and be right
by her side throughout labour. She did
all the running around for us;”
Mark - Henley Beach