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What is a Doula?
Doula (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver". It now refers to an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a woman and couple before, during and after childbirth. Throughout history mothers and families have benefited from the doula's presence, both at the time of birth and following birth. Both birth doulas and postnatal doulas offer compassionate, non-medical care to assist families in their new-life transition. Birth doulas are birth assistants who offer emotional and physical support to labouring families. We take time and care to meet with couples or mothers prenatally to discuss birthing desires and fears. Our knowledge and experience bring assurance as we share balanced information to enable parents to make informed choices. A doula offers non-medical measures of support to give the mother comfort and strength to be able to cope better with her labour. Changing labouring positions regularly and often is vital to progress; our experience is invaluable here. In addition to the expertise of the medical staff, we bring our knowledge, experience; massage techniques and specialized, non-medical skills that can greatly enhance your labour and birth. A doula's support is the only continuous in-room help available in any setting. Your doula is the only member of the birth team who is free to focus entirely on the mother's need to cope and the father's need to be of real supportive value. In addition, you can expect us to help apply and expand what you learned in your childbirth education classes. Together we strive for the best possible outcome for the kind of birth experience you envision. |
