Trisha and Logan
The word ‘Doula’ (pronounced ‘doola’) is a Greek word meaning ‘woman servant or caregiver’.
- A Doula is a trained, non-medical person who assists women emotionally and physically during her labour and birth.Thereby allowing the parents to make informed decisions regarding their pregnancy and birth.
- A doula supports a woman and her partner during pregnancy, birth, and the early weeks of parenting, with reassurance, practical assistance, and information.
- A Doula is also known as a “birth attendant”.
- A Doula “Mother’s the Mother”
- A Doula can help your partner to find ways to support you.
- A Doula can help you with positioning, massage and alternative measures for comfort.
- A Doula can help you to communicate with your medical caregivers .
- A Doula is a great listener, she is supportive and and respectful.
- A Doula is there for YOU and your baby.
If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.
John H. Kennell, MD
What does a Doula not do?
A Doula is not a nurse or a midwife (generally). She is not trained to do examinations or clinical care. She is not trained to listen to your babies heartbeat .
A Doula is not there to make decisions for you. Nor does she speak for you.
Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Doula
-
You want to give birth normally, without the use of medication or unnecessary interventions;
-
You want someone who is experienced and trained to help manage your labour pain;
-
You’ve heard about the research on doulas and want the benefit of having one present;
-
You want someone knowledgeable present at all times to ask questions and explain your options.(The midwives and Doctors will be in and out the room;
-
You want someone to act as an advocate for you and your partner’s wishes;
-
You’ve experience a traumatic or negative birth with prior children;
-
You’re a single mother or your partner is out of town (for example the military service);
-
You’re trying for a VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean.);
-
You want someone present who can provide physical or emotional support, if the father cannot be present for religious reasons;
-
You want someone to help your partner participate more fully in the birth, to take pictures or video, and to deal with family and friends.