A "Doula" is A WOman who serves

According to DONA International, a doula is  "a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to their client before, during, and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible."

The Greek word doula literally means "a woman who serves."

It is based in the historic idea of women supporting other women as they go through pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the first few months of motherhood. When moms are supported during this time by other women who understand what they are going through, they are empowered to have the best birth for them and their family.

Before the onset of labor, a doula assists with preparation for labor by practicing comfort positions, answering questions, and helping with preparing a Mom for what her preferences may be during labor. This education is critical so that Mom and Dad are informed on what to expect during labor and delivery. 

During labor and delivery, a doula provides continuous support, both physically and emotionally, to ensure that the mother is empowered in her own physiological abilities to give birth and her ability to make her own decisions as she progresses through labor. As Doulas are experienced and trained in childbirth, they help to provide coaching through labor on different approaches to increase comfort and a positive birth experience. 

After labor, a doula will ensure you have the chance to reflect on your birth experience and continue to feel supported in the first few months of Motherhood. This support can include basic breastfeeding support,  newborn support, light cleaning or cooking, but, most importantly, emotional support as you transition into the calling of Mama.

A birth doula can provide:

1. Continuous attention for mothers to feel supported throughout labor giving a more positive birth experience. The doula does not change similar to medical personnel shifts.

2. Their training and experience in labor and birth allowing for a more dynamic labor with suggestions for comfort measures and emotional support techniques. Increased motion and positive birth experience can assist in shortening length of labor.

3. Educational support and knowledge before and during labor to give parents the peace of mind and information to make informed decisions for their care.

4. Confidence in own physiological abilities to give birth and feelings of empowerment to speak up on your own behalf. A doula, in working with your partner, can help to maintain your birthing space to allow for comfort, consistency, and belief in your birth preferences.

Under the standards and scope of practice of DONA International. As a doula, we do not:

1. Perform clinical tasks, such as taking blood pressure, fetal heart checks or vaginal exams. We are there to provide only physical comfort, emotional support, and education support

2. Make decisions for you. We help inform you on the research on a certain topic so that you can make an informed decision. We will also remind you if there is a departure from your birth preferences.

3. Speak to medical staff or providers on your behalf. We will discuss your concerns with you and inform you of options, but you or your partner will speak directly to the clinical staff. We will encourage you and your partner to voice your opinions, questions and concerns to the staff. Your voice is so important in your labor and delivery!

4. Provide medical advice. We can direct you to resources that might help you answer your questions and make informed decisions on your own. Your care provider is able to provide specific advice, if desired.

I believe in family-centered care, which means involving partners and family members in the birth experience. I encourage families to participate in birth process and provide support and education to help them prepare for the arrival of their new baby. 

During prenatal appointments, we will discuss your desired involvement as a family in the birth process. In labor and delivery, he doula's role is to assist in filling any gap and to coach the coach in how to best support and love on their spouse, while also providing a back up so that the partner can be sure to care for themselves making them best able to serve Mama.