The Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative states that “A woman’s confidence and ability to give birth and to care for her baby are enhanced or diminished by every person who gives her care,” and that “a mother-friendly hospital, birth center, or home birth service offers all birthing mothers unrestricted access to the birth companions of her choice, including fathers, partners, children, family members, and friends” as well as “unrestricted access to continuous emotional and physical support from a skilled woman—for example, a doula, or labor-support professional.”
The Childbirth Connection Review of Labor Support Research includes information about the benefits and impact of labor support, and factors contributing to satisfaction with the experience of childbirth.
DONA International: What is a Doula?
Lamaze Healthy Birth Practice #3: Bring a Loved One, Friend, or Doula for Continuous Support
Support is unconditional.
It is listening–
not judging, not telling your own story.
Support is not offering advice;
it is offering a handkerchief, a touch, a hug; caring.
We are here to help women discover what they are feeling,
not to make their feelings go away.
We are here to help a woman identify her options,
not to tell her which options to choose.
We are here to discuss steps with a woman,
not to take the steps for her.
We are here to help a woman discover her own strength,
not to rescue her and leave her still vulnerable.
We are here to help a woman discover she can help herself,
not to take that responsibility for her.
We are here to help a woman learn to choose,
not to make it unnecessary for her to make difficult choices.
–Anonymous
