​What is a Doula?
 
The word “Doula” comes from the Greek word doule, meaning “handmaiden” or “woman who serves.” That is precisely the role of a doula for a laboring woman: to serve the laboring mother (and her partner!), working toward her desired birth outcome. Essentially, a doula is a cheerleader, a masseuse, a friend, an advocate, or anything else a mother needs her to be in labor. She is a shoulder to cry on or an encouraging voice when the mother thinks “I can’t do this anymore!”  
 
I have always been in awe of the birthing process, and the strength one possess when laboring, tapping into the “inner birthing goddess”.  While labor is not "easy" (thus the name), there is a lot of evidence linking the presence of a doula with shorter labor, minimal to no interventions,  and improve birth outcomes. This is not a magical power that doulas have, but something that we have intuitively known for as far back as recorded history shows us- having another supportive individual who understands the awesome power of birth and who can help take some of the fear and uncertainty away helps the birthing person find their way in their birthing journey. 
 
What does a Doula do?
 
A doula is trained in labor and childbirth and provides continuous support to a laboring mother. Her focus is tending to and helping the birthing parent and supporting the relationship of the laboring couple. Doulas provide support by:
Providing continuous emotional and physical support-
  • A laboring individual is cared for by a lot of people, each with distinct roles providing different aspects of care:
    • Physician, Midwife, and Nurse providing clinical care and support;
    • Birth Partner providing emotional support and familiarity;
    • The doula is a continuous presence for emotional support, physical comfort, and non-clinical advice for the laboring individual, as well as guidance for the birth partner.  A doula stays with the birthing parent throughout the entire labor, and perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the memory of the birth experience.
Providing information and resources, if asked, to allow a laboring individual to make good, informed decisions during labor-
  • A doula recognizes birth as a key life experience that the birthing person and partner will remember for a lifetime.  She assists a couple in preparing for and carrying out their plans for birth, therefore helping them achieving their ideal birth, even if there are a few bumps appear along the way;
  • Facilitates communication between the laboring person, her partner, and clinical care providers allowing for informed decision making;
  • Uses comfort measures such as light touch massage, aromatherapy, positioning, relaxation via breathing to aid in productive labor progression;
  • Accommodating wishes for the birth environment (low light, soft music, etc);
  • Supporting the birth partner in the best way to support the mother. A doula never replaces the very important role of the birth partner and will help the birth partner by suggesting ways that he can support the laboring individual;
  • Encouraging the laboring individual to communicate with the birthing team and to be informed about any procedures and interventions.
 
What does a Doula NOT do?
 
Doulas are not medical professionals and do NOT give medical advice or interfere with the medical provider/client relationship. It is never the place of a doula to judge, condemn or go against a birthing person's wishes. Doulas do not take over or come between the birthing person and her birth partner or doctor.  A Doula works well with other birth attendants in a positive light, offering support and collaboration.

Did you know...?

Having a doula present at your birth has proven to:
  • Decrease Cesarean Birth Rates by 50%
  • Shorten Labors by 25%
  • Decrease the request for Epidurals by 60%
  • Decrease in the use of Pitocin by 40%
Serving Central New Jersey/Jersey Shore including:​
Monmouth County: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Avon, Atlantic Highlands, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Deal, Eatontown, Freehold, Holmdel, Howell, Keansburg, Keyport, Lake Como, Little Silver, Long Branch, Manalapan, Manasquan, Marlboro, Matawan, Middletown, Millstone, Neptune, Ocean, Oceanport, Ocean Grove, Red Bank, Rumson, Sea Bright, Sea Girt, Shrewsbury, Tinton Falls, Union Beach, Wall, West Long Branch
Ocean County:  Jackson, Manasquan, Point Pleasant, Toms River
Meridian Health System: Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Riverview Medical Center
RWJBarnabas Health System: Monmouth Medical Center
CentraState Medical Center
​Community Medical Center