What is a Doula?

The word doula is an ancient Greek word, meaning 'woman servant or slave'. In our modern culture, a doula is a woman with childbirth experience that offers emotional support and physical comfort measures to a family bringing a new member this side of the belly ~ in particularly, the mother.

I've been a doula for over a decade now, attending birth in four different hospitals, and many, many homes. To try to add a bit further of an explanation, I equate my responsibilities to those of a wedding planner ~ a birth planner! I help families formulate a birth plan specific to their educated, informed decisions (whether I agree with them or not :) ) Without good, independent perinatal education, it's difficult to even know all of the options available. With a good birth plan, approved by the caregiver during a prenatal appointment which I attend with my clients, everyone is on the same page. It's better to begin to discuss the aspects of birth that are most important earlier, rather than later. If a current caregiver doesn't support them, an expecting mama want to find one that will.

Birth plans are not legal documents, and childbirth is rarely textbook perfect. Each one is unique, requiring respect and understanding of the laboring mother. A couple will want to choose a birthing environment that makes them feels safe. Likewise, it is equally important to only allow a few supportive, caring people to attend the birth. Sometimes, extended family members work well in the birth setting; other situations, it's best to have them wait until the labor, birth, first feeding and babymoon are finished to visit. It is a doula's responsibility to ensure that the laboring woman/couple have the utmost happiness in their experience, with their wishes followed as closely as possible, in a loving, nurturing atmosphere.

Childbirth is a pivitol moment in each woman's life. When you visit with an elderly lady, she may not be able to tell you her name, or remember what she had for lunch. She will almost always tell you in, intimate detail, about the births of her children if you ask. It is my passionate hope that each woman's birth I attend results in a very happy memory, year after year. I give all of my energy, expertise and experience to make this happen.

Every new family member deserves a gentle beginning, full of love and happiness. Having a rewarding, positive first experience as a parent usually leads to the next step being successful, and the next, and the next, and so on. Peace on Earth begins with birth!