The Shafia Monroe(ICTC)-Trained Doula

• Supports and assists during labor and birth 
• Uses comfort measures such as: breathing, relaxation, massage, and positioning  
• Provides physical, emotional, and informational support to women and their partners before, during and after labor and birth
• Values women led births and a mother’s intuition to birth in her best position
• Helps establish successful breastfeeding
• Teaches and promotes bonding activities between newborn, mother and family 
• Functions as an integral part of the Maternity Care Case Management Team  
• Is an advocate for birth justice in her community

On average, Doula Attended Births Provide:

• Reduction of cesarean rates and shorter labors. 
• Reduction of epidural requests and analgesia use. 
• Reduction in vacuum and forceps deliveries. 
• Improvement of the mother/infant bond. 
• Improved satisfaction with the partner after birth. 
• Highest breastfeeding success rate.