What is a Doula?

What is a Doula (say: DOO-la) anyway? Many people mistakenly think a doula is a midwife, or someone that replaces the husband as a labor coach. Neither is accurate. A doula is usually not trained medically, and so will not make obstetrical decisions or do physical exams. She is someone trained in the process of birth and early infant care and development, and emotional support.

From DONA (Doula’s Of North America):

“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.”

I know its a confusing mix of incredible excitement blended with tremendous anxiety to bring a new baby into your life. There are so many factors contributing to your feelings, at any given time. How will the birth go? What is the right thing to choose? Will my husband be able to support me? (Or, if you are the daddy-to-be reading this, Am I going to be able to do this?  I hope I don’t faint or throw up!) These are all very normal concerns and questions.

In ancient times, there were fewer options for birth, and it was a given to have women attend a mother from birth through the post-partum period. Family was close by, life was less hectic and slower paced.

Now, we, as new parents, are bombarded with conflicting information about birth options, parenting choices, and the pressure to make the “right” decisions is very high.

In addition,  our families are often unavailable, usually because of distance, either geographical or personal. Even if they are supportive and solid, friends and family don’t usually have experience with birth, or knowing the ins and outs of the obstetrical world.

Imagine being able to relax, get your questions answered by someone who’s job it is to do JUST THAT. Someone that supports YOUR intuition and can help you nurture and develop your own way of parenting that suits you. Someone that knows the process of birth, that won’t leave when the shift changes at the hospital, or pop in and out to check your status.

Imagine you and your husband being able to rely on a single person who knows you, knows your values and your intentions, and can help you get those met.

During the birth doula does not replace your much-trusted care provider, nor does she replace your husband or the nursing staff. Her role is to work with those people, to enhance your own experience and ability to birth your baby in the healthiest way possible.

After the birth, a post-partum doula can come into your home, and gently answer questions, show you basic infant care, do daily chores and meal preparation, take care of older siblings, or even take care of your baby so that you can get a shower or a nap.

Mothers aren’t always prepared for how overwhelmed and exhausted they will feel in those first months. Tears come easily and often, sleep is elusive, and still the tasks of daily living nag.

A doula will work with your schedule – maybe you want her to come every day that first week, or perhaps not until your husband goes back to work. Perhaps you only need a few hours, a few days a week. It really is up to you, based on what you need.

In the early weeks and months a post-partum doula can give you the space and time and advice you need to be the best mother you can be, to get to know your baby, to allow your friends and family to visit and you can let go of the need to “tidy up” before they arrive.

Perhaps most of all, a doula is your own personal parenting consultant, who’s job it is to support your family to identify and meet your own goals and needs.