The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
A Doula….
- Is aware of birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life.
- Understands the bodily processes of birth and the emotional needs of a woman throughout labor.
- Supports the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth, as well as being prepared for the “unprepared”
- Stays by the side of the laboring woman from the moment she is called in and throughout the entire labor.
- Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective veiwpoint and assistance tothe woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions.
- Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partener and clinical care providers.
- Perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman’s memory of her birth experience.
- Honors every mother’s birth.
~Demetria Clark
A Doula does not…..
- Give medical advice
- Perform or interpret medical procedures
- Give vaginal exams
- Replace the partner’s role
- Make decisions for Mother
A labor doula is there to help the mother cope with labor and birth using physical, emotional, and informational support. She is also there to help the mother’s partner to take breaks, eat, sleep, and help the partner use techniques for supporting the laboring mom; making the birth not only special for mom, but special for her partner as well. The labor doula is part of the “birth team” and will provide much needed encouragement, guidance, and comfort. She provides an objective viewpoint and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions.