Doula? What is a Doula?

Doulas are trained and experienced women who provide emotional support, physical comfort and practical assistance

to new mothers and families during pregnancy, childbirth and just after birth.

 

A doula is a women who nurtures and supports new and expectant mothers. The term "doula" is translated from ancient Greek as "woman servant" or even "slave" and has come to mean an experienced woman who provides emotional support and physical comfort to the childbearing woman and her family during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. There are two types of doulas, birth and postpartum, some women provide both types of care.

A Birth Doula      

provides continuous labor support, often beginning during early labor in the home, and continuing during transport and arrival at the hospital or birthing center. She provides physical comfort measures and emotional support, and can often make suggestions to assist with pain relief and labor progression. She encourages and facilitates the expectant parents to ask questions and make informed decisions in birth. She does not provide medical care, nor does she replace the women's partner.

Studies by Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus have shown that a birth doula can significantly reduce the length of labor and decrease the occurance of medical interventions, including the need for pain medication in labor.

Birth Doulas

• get acquainted with the parents before the birth
• provide birth planning assistance
• offer continuous labor support
• help with breathing and relaxation
• provide massage and other comfort measures
• make suggestions on position and progress
• offer reassurance and perspective to mothers

   

  
  

  The Postpartum Doula          

  is a non-medical care provider, providing early in-home practical, educational and emotional support to childbearing families. Her duties commonly include, but are not limited to mother-care and companionship, breastfeeding support, infant care guidance, sibling care, meal preparation, errands and light housekeeping. She does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatments, referring questions of a medical nature to the appropriate medical practitioner. She supports the mother and family in a non-intrusive fashion sensitive to family beliefs, habits and preferences.
  
  Recent studies are suggesting that new mothers who are provided with the support of another experienced woman are less likely to suffer from the baby blues or severe, long term postpartum depression.
  

  Postpartum Doulas

• come to your home for a few hours each day
• help the new family learn to care for their baby
• offer infant feeding support (breast or bottle)
• provide emotional support and physical care
• share accurate information, not advice
• provide practical household assistance
• prepare delicious meals
• do the laundry and run errands
• care for siblings and other family members

   

Click Here to Return to "A Mother's Touch" Home Page