Doula (pronounced DOO-LAH) is Greek, meaning women’s servant. Professionally, doulas are recognized as individuals, mostly women, who are there to provide continuous emotional, physical and informational support during the antenatal, birthing and postpartum periods.
A Doula accompanies women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. We draw on knowledge and experience of being mother’s ourselves, as Birth Doulas and Childbirth Educators to provide emotional support and physical comfort.We can provide reassurance and perspective, make suggestions for labor progress, help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for comfort. We are each independent and self-employed. Your Doula works for you, not your caregiver or hospital.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, women report less discomfort, need less intervention, and request less medication, and babies are healthier and they breastfeeding more easily.
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
Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, reduces the incidence of abuse in the family unit, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.
A Postpartum Doula
- Offers education, companionship and nonjudgmental support during the postpartum fourth trimester
- Assists with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tidying
- Offers evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and makes appropriate referrals when necessary
As Doula’s we do not…… Perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, and others. We are there only to provide physical comfort, emotional support and advocacy.
As Doula’s we do not…… Make decisions for you. We will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision. We will also remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan.
As Doula’s we do not…… Speak to the staff on your behalf. We will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you will speak on your own behalf to the clinical staff.
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