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The Doula Book: How A Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have A Shorter, Easier, And Healthier Birth
More and more parents-to-be all over the world are choosing the comfort and reassuring support of birth with a trained labor companion called a "doula." This warm, authoritative, and irreplaceable guide completely updates the authors' earlier book, Mothering the Mother, and adds much new and important research. In addition to basic advice on finding and working with a doula, the authors show how a doula reduces the need for cesarean section, shortens the length of labor, decreases the pain medication required, and enhances bonding and breast feeding. The authors, world-renowned authorities on childbirth with combined experience of over 100 years working with laboring women, have made their book indispensable to every woman who wants the healthiest, safest, and most joyful possible birth experience.
243 pages, Paperback
First published October 17, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 30, 2013
The best part of the book (for me) was the appendix. I think this book is geared more for pregnant mamas rather than just-starting-out-doulas and as such, was actually quite intimidating for a novice doula to read: I felt like it set up this expectation that all doulas know EVERYTHING about birth and are birth whisper-ers knowing exactly what to do to make the pain easier to bear and it more likely you'll have the kind of birth you want (which many doulas are that amazing). But I'm not at that level and I don't feel like I know everything, and I felt this sense of failure even before anything began. Perhaps its on reading lists so doulas can recommend it to clients as it does provide an argument to new parents about having a labor support professional at birth. It's also written in such a way as to empower its reader to make whatever decision she/he feels will lead to a safe and positive birth. But that being said, if it wasn't for the appendix, I'd probably give it 2.5 stars (as a doula how-to book).
February 6, 2012
This book would be very informative for someone who did not know anything about a doula or the statistics of improved natural birth with having a participating doula. Since I have read several natural childbirth books, this didn't have as much new information for me.
Notes:
The doula is there to help the parents have the type of birthing experience they want.
Having an experienced person enables fathers to be much more relaxed, loving and emotionally able than when they are alone by relieving them of anxiety. The doula models supportive behavior for the father. The doula does not take over the role of the father, but enhances it.
Doula-supported women showed less anxiety, fewer signs of depression and a higher level of self esteem.
The doula "mothers" the mother by letting her be herself which lets down emotional and physical barriers, enabling an easier labor. The doula encourages the mother.
During labor, walk as much as possible because it appears to shorten labor and reduce pain. Change positions every half hour. Drink plenty of liquids (juice, water, soup) and urinate frequently.
Delay vitamin K shots and eye ointment for one and a half hours after the baby is born. The baby will latch on during this time if they are not sleep. Do not mush the baby's face onto the breast to get them to latch on. They may have an aversion to the breast if you do so. Talk to the baby to encourage them to root. Hold the neck or the lower head by the ears, not the back of the head. The baby finds the nipple by feel and smell. When their nose is in front of the nipple, their upper lip will curl up and reach around it to latch on.
If a mother carries an infant in a Snugli-like (soft) carrier on her body, the infant will cry less. Babies will quiet sooner if they get a response to their cry or fuss within 90 seconds.
When interviewed as to why she chose a home birth, one mother said it "cut out countless distractions and concerns... could sink in and face what I needed to do".
For the first two or three months, mothers need extra support, protection and care.
The "baby blues" are a short period of emotional liability commonly occurring between the second and fifth postpartum day. It affects 80-90% of women. Postpartum depression begins at 4 to 8 weeks or later on in the first year. When there are many symptoms and they persist for weeks, help is needed. The woman may need meds if rest, support and being well-listened (psychotherapy) does not relieve the symptoms.
Relaxation exercises continue to be useful in postpartum period.
A postpartum doula or a helper manages the household while the parents manage the baby. They make sure the mother is not overwhelmed with too many visitors or phone calls. They can help the mother with stress management. The most important thing a helper can do is to listen.
Postpartum Doula Training
-CPR
-lactation
-common infant health problems
-know what to look for if a mother needs medical attention
-communication skills mostly dealing with emotional concerns
Postpartum Doula Helps...
-mother keep track of urine, stools and number of feedings
-if the baby is jaundiced or how the jaundice is progressing
-shopping
-taking care of other kids
-light housekeeping
-cooking nutritious meals
It is useful to look for a new mother's group in the local area in order to benefit from sharing experiences with their new baby.
Notes:
The doula is there to help the parents have the type of birthing experience they want.
Having an experienced person enables fathers to be much more relaxed, loving and emotionally able than when they are alone by relieving them of anxiety. The doula models supportive behavior for the father. The doula does not take over the role of the father, but enhances it.
Doula-supported women showed less anxiety, fewer signs of depression and a higher level of self esteem.
The doula "mothers" the mother by letting her be herself which lets down emotional and physical barriers, enabling an easier labor. The doula encourages the mother.
During labor, walk as much as possible because it appears to shorten labor and reduce pain. Change positions every half hour. Drink plenty of liquids (juice, water, soup) and urinate frequently.
Delay vitamin K shots and eye ointment for one and a half hours after the baby is born. The baby will latch on during this time if they are not sleep. Do not mush the baby's face onto the breast to get them to latch on. They may have an aversion to the breast if you do so. Talk to the baby to encourage them to root. Hold the neck or the lower head by the ears, not the back of the head. The baby finds the nipple by feel and smell. When their nose is in front of the nipple, their upper lip will curl up and reach around it to latch on.
If a mother carries an infant in a Snugli-like (soft) carrier on her body, the infant will cry less. Babies will quiet sooner if they get a response to their cry or fuss within 90 seconds.
When interviewed as to why she chose a home birth, one mother said it "cut out countless distractions and concerns... could sink in and face what I needed to do".
For the first two or three months, mothers need extra support, protection and care.
The "baby blues" are a short period of emotional liability commonly occurring between the second and fifth postpartum day. It affects 80-90% of women. Postpartum depression begins at 4 to 8 weeks or later on in the first year. When there are many symptoms and they persist for weeks, help is needed. The woman may need meds if rest, support and being well-listened (psychotherapy) does not relieve the symptoms.
Relaxation exercises continue to be useful in postpartum period.
A postpartum doula or a helper manages the household while the parents manage the baby. They make sure the mother is not overwhelmed with too many visitors or phone calls. They can help the mother with stress management. The most important thing a helper can do is to listen.
Postpartum Doula Training
-CPR
-lactation
-common infant health problems
-know what to look for if a mother needs medical attention
-communication skills mostly dealing with emotional concerns
Postpartum Doula Helps...
-mother keep track of urine, stools and number of feedings
-if the baby is jaundiced or how the jaundice is progressing
-shopping
-taking care of other kids
-light housekeeping
-cooking nutritious meals
It is useful to look for a new mother's group in the local area in order to benefit from sharing experiences with their new baby.
October 19, 2022
Overall a very helpful book, I liked the amount of time they spent explaining the role of a doula and how it differs from and works harmoniously with the role of a father. They also had a lot of good stuff about the benefits of doulas and also tips and tricks on how to support women perinatally.
One star off for the entire chapter on self-hypnosis and visualization. I understand that sometimes picturing positive things or meditating on scripture can be helpful, but I don't think it needed as much space as it got and I also personally find language of "mothering the inner child" to be really degrading to others as it does not acknowledge their capabilities and resourcefulness in the face of challenges.
One star off for the entire chapter on self-hypnosis and visualization. I understand that sometimes picturing positive things or meditating on scripture can be helpful, but I don't think it needed as much space as it got and I also personally find language of "mothering the inner child" to be really degrading to others as it does not acknowledge their capabilities and resourcefulness in the face of challenges.
December 31, 2008
I thought this was a good, basic book regarding using doulas at birth. It was a nice balance of research, technique, and case examples. For anyone who's been attending births for awhile, it's fairly basic, but I still picked up a new tidbit or two (I've attended about 30 births). I would highly recommend that any grandmother, sister, or friend who is planning on attending a loved one's birth read this before the big day. It's a great primer in that regard. My criticism is that the pictures should be updated, as they will be a real turn-off to a younger generation. The cover is nice and modern, but the inside pictures make it look outdated.
February 8, 2021
I think the book is beneficial to both, expecting mothers and doulas. The main part of the book explains how doula's presence and support positively impacts giving birth. Appendixes give practical tips for doulas.
June 18, 2018
Inspiring!
August 18, 2019
This is the most approachable doula book I've read. I just wish it weren't so heteronormative, though this has been my wish for all the doula books I've read so far.
March 11, 2008
This book makes a solid case for the use of doulas in the delivery room. Included are both antidotal stories and published scientific studies to convince every woman on the necessity and benefits assisted labor. The book also provides a nice overview of services provided by a doula and what new parents should expect. I however would have liked more information on hiring a doula and the doula training and qualifications.
September 19, 2021
Seems a bit outdated, but overall a good, unbiased doula book!
March 24, 2018
I borrowed this book from a local midwifery practice to see what it was all about (I am a birth doula). It was a really fast and easy read, and it went back and forth between being helpful for moms and partners, and being helpful for the doula. So I'm not entirely sure WHO this book was written for. But either way, I thought it was great.
For moms: Provides reassurance through research and studies that working with a doula is worth the investment, that medical research has proven that doulas shorten labor, decrease interventions, and increase overall birth satisfaction.
For dads: I hear a lot of fathers voice their hesitancy towards hiring a doula for fear they will be overshadowed, lose their role, or have to share this experience. But the chapter that talks about how dads and doulas work together was really well written! I like that it talks about various ways that fathers support their wives in labor (and how they're all normal) and how the doula's role is not the same as the dads role, so there isn't a way for the doula to "take over" or overshadow him. It is very well written, and I think it would be a great resource for partners who aren't quite sure they want a doula.
For doulas: Towards the end of the book it starts to feel like an introduction guide to doulas, like a book you would be assigned to read in a "doula 101" college class. So for new doulas, or for women who are considering becoming a doula, this is probably a great book to read to get a better idea of what it all means. I know I would have absolutely LOVED it at the start of my doula career.
For moms: Provides reassurance through research and studies that working with a doula is worth the investment, that medical research has proven that doulas shorten labor, decrease interventions, and increase overall birth satisfaction.
For dads: I hear a lot of fathers voice their hesitancy towards hiring a doula for fear they will be overshadowed, lose their role, or have to share this experience. But the chapter that talks about how dads and doulas work together was really well written! I like that it talks about various ways that fathers support their wives in labor (and how they're all normal) and how the doula's role is not the same as the dads role, so there isn't a way for the doula to "take over" or overshadow him. It is very well written, and I think it would be a great resource for partners who aren't quite sure they want a doula.
For doulas: Towards the end of the book it starts to feel like an introduction guide to doulas, like a book you would be assigned to read in a "doula 101" college class. So for new doulas, or for women who are considering becoming a doula, this is probably a great book to read to get a better idea of what it all means. I know I would have absolutely LOVED it at the start of my doula career.
June 15, 2021
I wish I could give 10 stars! A very helpful tool for parents to learn about how doula can help them have a faster and more empowered birth experience. The appendix has lots of helpful guides to learn imagery and relaxation techniques and it also helps explain the role of the doula in detail. I would recommend to any pregnant woman on the fence about having a doula support for labor and postpartum. It is also helpful to learn self hypnoses imagery techniques as a doula.
March 3, 2018
I ran out of time to finish this book before the end of my pregnancy, but liked the few chapters towards the end of the book that I read after opening the book at a random page. It seems to be up to its reputation of describing well how useful doulas can be and I will recommend it to people that are on the fence about recommending it.
June 13, 2017
This book is useful as an introduction to the work of a doula. The appendix in the back provides some useful coaching and massage techniques. However, I would have like to read more about real-life examples and personal stories, rather than statistics.
January 18, 2018
This was a good, solid book. Reading it as a newer doula, it did provide some helpful information, especially the additional information at the end. I would recommend possibly for new parents potentially hiring a doula to understand the process. Or for a new doula, it is helpful.
October 6, 2018
Not the most exciting read in the world but really good info for Doula’s or even birth partners. I loved all the studies on how much Doula’s impacted birth and even the postpartum period positively. They really are the best! :)
November 16, 2020
A good introduction for a Doula and parents exploring the idea of an doula. The appendix was very helpful for labor exercises. The Doula Book is mainly an informational research based evidence to the role of the doula and the way they improve birth experiences and outcomes.
March 11, 2024
It’s a good book that explains what a doula and how she can help the mother at such a sacred time. Of course it was a required read for my doula studies, but the information really helped jumpstart my understanding for not just natural birthing, but physiological pregnancy and birthing.
August 14, 2017
A good guide to doula work, lots of Americanisms, and some of the research is dated, but overall useful.
August 22, 2017
I hired a doula before I started reading this book and from reading it, I feel even better about this decision! Highly recommend doulas no matter how you plan to give birth.
August 24, 2018
Krijg steeds meer zin in de opleiding door dit soort goede boeken :)!
January 9, 2019
Good information, research and even stories. Just not my favorite book for babies. Very solid though.
February 18, 2019
Cool statistics about the benefits of doulas
Some good tips for doulas but seems more about why people could use a doula
Some good tips for doulas but seems more about why people could use a doula
February 3, 2020
Very informative and a good book to have on the shelf!
March 11, 2020
Great info about the importance and significance of having a doula for the birth of your baby.
April 4, 2020
This book is an easy to read collection of case studies and reasons why parents should choose to have a doula. The helpful information for doula training is in the appendices.
May 1, 2021
Classic. Very helpful information, just a little outdated and the language isn’t inclusive.
December 15, 2021
Outdated
August 5, 2022
Great book for a general overview of the benefits of doulas in birth, postpartum & beyond!
December 8, 2018
This book is written by doctors so it can be an intimidating read for a doula if you do not realize that. There is a ton of valuable information and should be treated more like a text book. Highlight, take notes. This is a book that a doula will want to refer back to frequently.
July 21, 2023
I started The Doula Book around the time I was deciding for myself whether I should get a doula for the birth of my baby (still upcoming!). I'd had this book on my list for a while, and as I still knew very little about a doula's process or the evidence on their care, I thought I should read it. Although I did decide yes on a doula a short ways in (partly due to this book, partly due to other sources), I read it all the way through to get a better understanding of what the experience should hopefully be like.
But one thing - this book, originally published 30 years ago, is, like 90-plus percent of all pregnancy and birth books, extremely heteronormative. I counted maybe one reference to "partner", while every other time called a non-birthing parent the "father" or "husband". (It looks like the edition updated in 2012 is no better on this front.) It's definitely distracting for queer parents-to-be, especially considering doulas are extremely popular in the queer community. But on the positive side, the research is very neat to read about - there are even randomized controlled trials! - and they strongly indicate doulas improve birth outcomes, decrease the need of or use of extra medical interventions, and increase satisfaction with the birth experience. It's simply incredible how effective doula support can be, and shows how psychological the physical components of the birth process also are.
Later editions may also update the research to include more recent studies and information - I'd be interested to know if the research on epidurals leading to decreased lactation response still stand, for example. The information on the stages of labor and how a doula supports the birthing parent is super useful, and a good preview of what to expect on the receiving end.
But one thing - this book, originally published 30 years ago, is, like 90-plus percent of all pregnancy and birth books, extremely heteronormative. I counted maybe one reference to "partner", while every other time called a non-birthing parent the "father" or "husband". (It looks like the edition updated in 2012 is no better on this front.) It's definitely distracting for queer parents-to-be, especially considering doulas are extremely popular in the queer community. But on the positive side, the research is very neat to read about - there are even randomized controlled trials! - and they strongly indicate doulas improve birth outcomes, decrease the need of or use of extra medical interventions, and increase satisfaction with the birth experience. It's simply incredible how effective doula support can be, and shows how psychological the physical components of the birth process also are.
Later editions may also update the research to include more recent studies and information - I'd be interested to know if the research on epidurals leading to decreased lactation response still stand, for example. The information on the stages of labor and how a doula supports the birthing parent is super useful, and a good preview of what to expect on the receiving end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews