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A doula (), also known as a birth companion and post-birth supporter,〔http://doula.org.uk/content/what-doula〕 is a nonmedical person who assists a woman before, during, and/or after childbirth, as well as her spouse and/or family, by providing physical assistance and emotional support. The provision of continuous support during labour is associated with improved maternal and fetal health and a variety of other benefits, including lower risk of induction and interventions and less need for pain relief. These benefits are particularly significant when continuous support is provided by someone who is not there as family/friend or as medical staff (i.e. a doula).〔 Additionally, a doula is sometimes hired to work with families beyond the postpartum stages, providing continued physical and emotional support, for as long as needed (sometimes, this support can be ongoing for several years). These days most doulas will have completed some training to prepare them for the role. However, the title can be used by anyone. The goal of a doula is to ensure the mother and her partner feel safe and confident before, during, and after birth. Doulas not trained by a formal organization (e.g. DONA) can be controversial within medical settings due to a lack of formal medical education when a discussion regarding medical interventions in labor versus pursuing natural childbirth without an epidural or caesarean section arises, however the role of the doula is not to offer medical advice. Sometimes the term ''doula'' can also refer to a non-medical person who assists critically ill elderly people.〔 ==History and etymology == The term ''doula'' was first used in a 1969 anthropological study〔Perspectives on Biology and Medicine〕 conducted by Dana Raphael. Raphael suggested it was a widespread practice that a female of the same species be part of childbirth, and in human societies this was traditionally a role occupied by a family member or friend whose presence contributed to successful long-term breastfeeding. Raphael's derivation of the term is not clear, only describing it as coming from "Aristotle's time", and is defined as an Ancient Greek word meaning "female slave." Marshall Klaus and John Kennell, who conducted clinical trials on the medical outcomes of doula-attended births, adopted the term to refer to a person providing labor support. In 1992, (Doulas of North America (DONA) ), one of the first doula training and certifying organizations, was founded. By 1994, DONA had certified 750 doulas and 10 years later that number reached 5,842 - the increase reflects the emerging popularity of the role.〔 Between 1992 and 2004, DONA has provided training to approximately 25,000 people.〔 More recently, (Childbirth International (CBI) ) has continued to add new content and courses to help train their students further. Their services have helped students and graduates in 102 countries across the globe. Founded by experienced doula, author and educator Nikki Macfarlane,〔Nikki Macfarlane (Founder of Childbirth International ), ''Childbirth International'', Retrieved on 2 July 2015.〕 Childbirth International has grown to become the largest doula training organization offering more courses than any other. CBI have also developed a useful tool for helping mothers to find a doula quickly and easily in their area through their website Find A Doula.com.〔Find A Doula.com ("Our pages answer your questions and gives you practical tips to help you decide what's right for you for your birth, and how to make it happen." ), ''Childbirth International'', | pages = () | Retrieved on 2 July 2015.〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「doula」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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