What is DONA? DONA is an International organization specializing in research concerning birth companions and the medical outcome of birth. DONA is an International organization that was founded in 1992 by...
DONA is an International organization that was founded in 1992 by a group of researchers who had piloted research projects in South America and then they extended them into North America. Their research showed that doulas make a profound difference to the family in terms of medical outcome; they found that they reduced the likelihood of caesarian, lowered forceps use or assisted delivery and decreased the mothers need for pain medications. Having a trained professional there with her actually increased the likelihood that her labor and birth would be normal and unfold naturally and efficiently and also increased her satisfaction with her birth experience.
Those researchers then went on to found the international doula organization called Doulas of North America and the acronym is DONA. Last year DONA decided that they would adopt the word DONA International to more fully encompass what our organization is about.
DONA is a professional organization that provides resources to doulas, trains, educates and certifies doulas, but it also a resource to the medical community and birthing families. It's a referral service for families and also provides assistance and resource for the medical community who want to learn more about doulas.
DONA International is an international group that has trained and certified over 5000 doulas. We have a member base growing over 7000 doulas worldwide. It is the largest organization and the oldest professional doula organization the world.
