The word "doula" comes from the Greek word doulē which means "a woman who serves". A modern day doula is just that - a person (usually a woman) who serves women and their families during pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond.
A doula is with her clients through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. She provides the mother to be and her family with valuable information, advice, and comfort. During pregnancy, a woman can turn to her doula for basic childbirth education and assistance in creating her birth plan. The doula is there for phone and email support as well as in person consultations in the weeks leading up to her guess date. As labor begins, the doula is in constant contact with the laboring mother as well as her birth team. When her client feels ready, the doula will join her at the client's home or the hospital in which she will be delivering. There she provides comfort through touch, verbal cues, and informational support. She is like a guide for labor, reminding the mother and her birth team of different techniques and tools to encourage a peaceful and empowered labor and delivery. The doula then stays after the baby arrives to assist with bonding and breastfeeding, answering any questions the new parents may have. Another in home visit is scheduled for a few weeks after the new family returns home. At this meeting the doula can answer any lingering questions and address any concerns, help the mother to process her birth story, ensure that breastfeeding is going well, and just talk about life as a new mom.
Doulas are highly trained professionals. The certification process includes an in depth training workshop, assigned reading, essays, observing births, compiling resource lists, breastfeeding education, and finally being evaluated on our services at births attended. All certifying organizations require recertification after a certain period of time. This includes new evaluations and continuing education credits. There are many opportunities for doulas to expand their knowledge through additional certifications, workshops, classes, and more.
A doula is NOT a doctor, nurse, or midwife and is not trained to make medical decisions. She is an addition to your team, not a replacement for the doctor, the nurse, or the mother's partner and family. Doulas are there to help the mother and her birth team make empowered, evidence based choices during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
A doula is, simply put, the keeper of the space. She is the ever watchful, ever diligent presence who will hold your hand if it needs holding. She will breathe with you and move with you and chant with you through every contraction. She will be by your side for as long as you need her - to offer advice or just give you that nod that says everything is alright.
Doulas are highly trained professionals. The certification process includes an in depth training workshop, assigned reading, essays, observing births, compiling resource lists, breastfeeding education, and finally being evaluated on our services at births attended. All certifying organizations require recertification after a certain period of time. This includes new evaluations and continuing education credits. There are many opportunities for doulas to expand their knowledge through additional certifications, workshops, classes, and more.
A doula is NOT a doctor, nurse, or midwife and is not trained to make medical decisions. She is an addition to your team, not a replacement for the doctor, the nurse, or the mother's partner and family. Doulas are there to help the mother and her birth team make empowered, evidence based choices during pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
A doula is, simply put, the keeper of the space. She is the ever watchful, ever diligent presence who will hold your hand if it needs holding. She will breathe with you and move with you and chant with you through every contraction. She will be by your side for as long as you need her - to offer advice or just give you that nod that says everything is alright.
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