Christa Corsaro Tyson ~ Yoga Instructor & Birth Doula
Serving Rochester, NY and surrounding areas

Birth Doula ~ Resources and Information

What is a Doula?
A Birth Doula is a person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth. A Doula who accompanies a woman in labor mothers the mother, taking care of her emotional needs throughout childbirth. A Doula also provides support and suggestions for partners that can enhance their experiences of birth. A postpartum Doula continues that valuable emotional support and guidance, helping a family make a smooth transition into new family dynamics.

Usually Doulas are educated and knowledgeable about childbirth and the postpartum experience. They are advocates and a listening ear for birthing mothers, as well as facilitators to her partner. Certified Doulas are educated to work within evidence-based standards of practice. The skills that they develop are medically proven to make a true difference in the experience of birth. A Doula's presence at birth improves outcomes for mother and baby.

back to Doula Services page

Why use a Doula?
Women have complex needs during childbirth and the weeks that follow. In addition to medical care and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect. They need individualized care based on their circumstances and preferences.

Certified Doulas are educated and experienced in childbirth and the postpartum period. They are prepared to provide physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to women and their partners during labor and birth, as well as to families in the weeks following childbirth. They offer a loving touch, positioning and comfort measures that make childbearing women and families feel nurtured and cared for.

Numerous clinical studies have found that a Doula's presence at birth

• tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
• reduces negative feelings about one's childbirth experience
• reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction and cesareans
• reduces the mother's request for pain medication and/or epidurals

Research shows that parents who receive support can:

• Feel more secure and cared for
• Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
• Have greater success with breastfeeding
• Have greater self-confidence
• Have less postpartum depression
• Have lower incidence of abuse

see more Birth Doula frequently asked questions