General Info:
The word doula is a Greek word meaning "Women’s Servant." Women have been serving other women in childbirth for centuries and have proved that support from another woman has positive effects on the labor and birth process. A doula is an educated childbirth professional who understands the natural process of having a baby. The doula provides constant support in a nonjudmental, un-biased manner. What a doula will do... Prenatally, a doula will meet with the mother 2-3 times during her third trimester. During this time the doula starts building a relationship with the family. The doula will discuss different techniques for relaxation, help the family form and write their birth plan, help them advocate for what they wold like during their birth experience, and let them know what to expect once labor begins.The doula accompanies the woman in labor beginning either at home or hospital and provides constant emotional and physical support. She may suggest comfort measures, and provide support and suggestions for the partner to create the most positive, healthy, and enjoyable experience possible. This may include massage, position changes, breathing techniques, visualization, counterpressure, heat & cold, etc. A doula advocates for her client's wishes as expressed in their birth plan, in prenatal conversations, and intrapartum discussion. She helps the mother incorporate changes in plans if and when the need arises, and enhances communication between client and caregiver. After delivery, the doula will remain with the family for 1-2 hours postpartum until the mother and baby are settled and comfortable. A motto which a lot of doula's follow is, "fed and in bed." A doula recognizes that the first hours after birth are the best time to initiate breastfeeding (if desired.) During this time some doulas are available for breastfeeding support. This is also the best time for the parents to connect and become familiar with the newest member of their family. During the first hours after delivery infants are in a state of quiet alertness before exhaustion from the experience of being born sets in. During the postpartum period, a doula will usually meet with the family 1-2 times, either in the hospital or home. These visits are used for discussion of the birth, explanations of practices and procedures which occured at the birth, continued breastfeeding support, and referrals for any problems which may have arisen. What a doula does not do... A doula does not perform clinical or medical tasks such as taking blood pressure or temperature, fetal heart tone checks, vaginal examinations, or postpartum clinical care. A doula does not speak for or make decisions for the client. The advocacy role is best described as support, information, and mediation or negotiation.