So, What Exactly is a Doula?

​A doula is a non-medical professional who assists a woman during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. The word “doula” comes from the Greek and means “a woman who serves.”

To break it down, a birth doula provides:

• Information on pregnancy 
• Birth information and preparation 
• Birth planning (including a written document)
• continuous labor support
• Massage and other comfort measures
• Understanding about natural labor progression
• Reassurance and encouragement 
• Emotional support--a listening nonjudgmental ear
• Aromatherapy, music meditation CD's, etc.
• Facilitates communication between you and your provider (doctor or midwife)
• And more

A postpartum doula provides:

• Breastfeeding support
• Bonding support
• Birth debriefing
• Light housework/Meal Preparation 
• Older child care
• Settling/sleep help with baby 
• And more

A doula is there to be your companion and guide throughout your journey to motherhood. Doulas aren’t just for mother’s wanting non-medicated or “natural” births, either. Even if you choose to get an epidural or cesarean a doula has the knowledge and resources to support you.
A doula does not:

• Replace your partner – Your partner/spouse is still a valuable member of your birth team and postpartum support. A doula will simply help them better support you.
• Speak for you – A doula helps facilitate communication between you and your doctor/midwife. This means she gently reminds you to ask questions for yourself, she doesn’t ever presume to speak for you.
•  Make decisions for you – Only you can decide what is best for you.
• Pass judgement – A doula is not biased and does not take things personally. For example, you don’t have to worry about disappointing your doula or hurting her feelings if you aren’t quiet as calm as you’d thought you’d be during birth.
• Catch/”deliver” babies – A doula is not a midwife and does not perform any clinical tasks that a nurse, doctor, or midwife would do such as administer medication or do vaginal exams/checks.

More questions? Ask me via email or in the comments below.