What is a doula?
Weslie Woodley Photography
“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.” - John H. Kennell, MD
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
Who Can Benefit From Doula Support?
Every mama-to-be! Whether you're a first-time parent or have given birth previously, you will benefit from having the support of a doula. As your doula, it's my job to make sure you're informed and feel confident during the entire birth process.
If you have a partner who will be taking an active role in supporting you during your birth, my doula support will benefit him/her as well. Ideally, the two of you will be a team, and I'll be there to offer ideas, tips, techniques and general assistance to ensure that you're both fully supported during your birth. And I'll also make sure that your partner doesn't forget to eat and has time to use the restroom!
A Birth Doula:
- From DONA Website
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
Who Can Benefit From Doula Support?
Every mama-to-be! Whether you're a first-time parent or have given birth previously, you will benefit from having the support of a doula. As your doula, it's my job to make sure you're informed and feel confident during the entire birth process.
If you have a partner who will be taking an active role in supporting you during your birth, my doula support will benefit him/her as well. Ideally, the two of you will be a team, and I'll be there to offer ideas, tips, techniques and general assistance to ensure that you're both fully supported during your birth. And I'll also make sure that your partner doesn't forget to eat and has time to use the restroom!
A Birth Doula:
- Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
- Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
- Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
- Stays with the woman throughout the labor
- Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision
- Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
- Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
- Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level
- From DONA Website