Doula Program Is Growing

DANBURY — Danbury Hospital’s Doula Program for expectant parents is growing, now helping to ease the childbirth process for 20 percent of couples who deliver a baby at the hospital.

Now in its third year, the Doula Program provides doulas to women during childbirth. “Doula” is a Greek word meaning “woman servant,” and is someone who is a labor support companion to both a new mom and her partner.

“We’re growing every year,” said Sandy McGuire, doula coordinator at Danbury Hospital. Ms McGuire recently spoke at a Medical Town Meeting on pre-pregnancy planning sponsored by Danbury Hospital. A doula can reassure a woman during labor and provide emotional support, as well as help ease anxieties, provide comfort, and remind her of the recommended breathing and relaxation techniques.

Studies show that when a doula is used, women require less pain medication and often have shorter labor time. That’s because, says McGuire, a doula can recommend other relaxing things such as sitting in a warm bath, rolling on a birth ball, or swaying back and forth to a rhythm. It’s easy to arrange for a doula, and the cost is only $50. For more information on the program, call Sandy McGuire at 203/797-7466, or by e-mail, Sandy.Mcguire@danhosp.org.