What is a Doula?
The
Greek word doula means women caregiver. Now the word is used to
describe a trained and experienced labor companion who provides the birthing mother and her partner continuous emotional support, physical comfort
and assistance in obtaining information before, during and after
childbirth.
As a Birth Doula, I;
- Recognize birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life.
- Understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a women in labor.
- Assist the women and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth.
- Stay by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor
- Provide
emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint,
and assistance to the women in getting the information she needs to
make good decisions.
- Facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and clinical care providers.
- Perceive my role as one who nurtures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience.
- Respects and honors the mother's decisions regarding her labor and works closely
with her and her partner to help her achieve her ideal birth.
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.
As a Birth Doula, I Don't;
- Replace the baby's father or birth partner in their role. I am here to help and support the both of you to have the birth experiance that you desire.
- Perform clinical tasks, such as take blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams and others. I am there to provide only physical comfort and emotional support.
- Make decisions for you.
I will help you get the information necessary to make an informed
decision. I will also remind you if there is a departure from your
birth plan.
- Speak to the staff on your behalf. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will speak directly to the clinical staff.
- Provide any medical advice. I will help you find resources or information to better help you make any decisions.
A doula
is a unique part of your birthing team, hired by you and your partner
to serve the laboring women and partner during childbirth. She is
totally focused on the mother's needs and because the doula's loyalties
are solely to the mother and her partner, the mother can feel safe &
secure knowing that her physical and emotional needs are going to be
met throughout her labor and birth to the best of the doula's ability.
