What is a Doula Anyway?

I got an email this morning from a sweet women who couldn't help but ask the question.... What is a doula? It made me wonder how many people have asked themselves the same question and decided the best way to answer it would be here, on my blog.

According to Wikipedia we started using the word " doula" in the 70's but for as long as history can tell women have been attending each other's birth to support there complex needs during childbirth and the weeks after.

As a doula I hope to provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support at every step of your pregnancy.

During the two prenatal appointments I attend with my clients, both mom and dad, we discuss what they envision as a safe and satisfying experience for there birth. Each family is unique so hearing both parents hopes is very valuable. I share my experiences in births I have attended in there place of birthing if that is at a local hospital, birth center or if they are preparing a homebirth.

When mom is in labor I am with her at every step of the journey, reminding her this is normal, what her birth wishes are (I will never say a birth plan because hell you cant plan birth), supporting dad support mom the best of his abilities.

After birth most doula's stay about two hours to help initiate breastfeeding, help mom be comfortable and then leave mom and dad to welcome there baby earthside. As a lactation educator I cherish these first bonding moments with mom and baby.

So do you know what a doula is now? I don't think I could leave this post without saying one thing, there are lots of different doulas out there so do your research, interview more then one. You may want me the level headed, tell you how it is doula who will crack a joke just to make you smile or you may want the ultimate “moon-goddess” and earth-mother skirt wearing crystal healer. Either way statistically speaking doula's help you get the birth you want and desire.