ABOUT US

What is a Doula?

A doula is a woman’s companion on the birth journey. Through this complex and intense experience, a doula offers guidance, reassurance, and comfort, helping things unfold as safely and peacefully as possible.

Before the birth, the doula provides prenatal information and education, and helps the woman and her partner prepare for the journey ahead.

After the birth, she offers post-partum support to help the new family adjust, paying special attention to the breastfeeding relationship.

During labour and birth, the doula offers continuous emotional and physical support to the woman. She uses her hands, her eyes, her words, her knowledge, her resources, and her reassuring presence to ease the woman and her partner through this thrilling and challenging event.

The Stats*

The presence of a trained doula has been shown to provide a:
• 50% reduction in the cesarean rate
• 25% shorter labor
• 60% reduction in epidural requests
• 40% reduction in oxytocin use
• 30% reduction in analgesia use
• 40% reduction in forceps delivery
*info obtained from Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter Labour and a Healthier Birth, Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus, 1993

What is LIDA?

LIDA is the London Independent Doula Association, a group of independent birth doulas, postpartum doulas, and birth-care associates serving the London area. LIDA is a member-run association; we are a non-commercial group, operating on a not-for-profit basis.

LIDA welcomes new members. We encourage eligible birth professionals to join the association and share resources, experience, and wisdom.

LIDA welcomes birthing women and families. Choosing a LIDA doula means you get the best of both worlds: the freedom and flexibility of an independent practitioner, and the security and resources of an organization.

With a LIDA doula, you get:

• a guaranteed back-up doula whom you can meet in advance
• access to an extensive lending library
• discounts on various associate services, such as chiropractic, homeopathy, and massage
• assurance that your doula will follow LIDA’s code of practice

Copyright © 2009 London Independent Doula Association (LIDA)