The word “doula” comes from ancient Greek and is now used to refer to a woman who helps other women. It has been applied to childbirth to refer to “a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth” (Klaus, Kennel and Klaus, in Mothering the Mother ). A doula is a woman who provides continuous physical, emotional, informative support to a laboring woman. Doula’s do not replace your care provider, but are an addition team-member there for you. Although you are our sole interest, we never take the place of your partner; we want to strengthen your relationship. With our loving touch (if you desire) we can massage you throughout the labor, apply pressure where and when it is needed, and help you find the best position to deal with contractions. We can also help to protect your birth memories by taking pictures or writing a birth journal if you would like. Doulas also try to maintain the perfect atmosphere for you; may it be light music or complete silence. A Doula works with you to help ensure you have a positive birth experience.
A birth doula:
- recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life
- understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
- assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth
- stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the whole labor
- provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint, and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions
- facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical care providers
- perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman’s memory of her birth experience
The acceptance of doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well being of mothers and infants.
(Information from Doulas of North America, DONA, www.dona.org )
More information on the standards and practices of doulas here.