WHAT IS A DOULA?
Doula is an ancient Greek word that means "woman's servant". Today, doulas are trained to provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to women in labor. The doula cooperates with and encourages the partner's role in labor.
A DOULA...
- Knows that birth is a Key Life event for women & their partners.
- Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of women in labor.
- Provides emotional support, assists the laboring mother to create physical comfort, and supports and encourages partner's involvement.
- Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and the clinical care providers, helping women obtain the information they need to make decisions.
- Nurtures and protects the mother's birth memory.
A doula is someone whose sole responsibility is to help you with the birth of your baby. For a doula, your goals become hers.
She is there for you physically - with a relaxing back rub, a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on. A doula is there to literally hold you up, when you need her to.
A doula is there for your partner and loved ones - with hands on learning, support, and reassurance.
