​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 women possess when laboring, tapping into their “inner birthing goddess”.  While labor is not "easy" (thus the name), there is a lot of evidence that the presence of a doula can shorten labor and improve birth outcomes. This is not a magical power that doulas have, but something that women have intuitively known for as far back as recorded history shows us- that having another supportive woman who understands the wondrous power of birth and who can help take some of the fear and uncertainty away, does wonders for a laboring mother. 
 
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 mom and supporting the relationship of the laboring couple. Doulas often support laboring women by:
Providing continuous emotional and physical support-
  • A laboring woman 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 mother, as well as guidance for her partner.  A doula stays with the woman throughout her entire labor, and perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman’s memory of her birth experience.
Providing information and resources, if asked, to allow a laboring mother to make good, informed decisions during her labor-
  • A doula recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother and her 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 woman, 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 the mother’s wishes for the birth environment (low light, soft music, etc);
  • Supporting the father or 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 mom;
  • Encouraging the mother to communicate with her doctor 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 doctor/mother relationship. It is never the place of a doula to judge, condemn or go against a mother’s wishes. Doulas do not take over or come between the mother and her birth partner or doctor.  A Doula works well with other birth attendants in a positive light, offering support and collaboration.