“So, what exactly is a doula, anyway?”
“Doula” (doo-lah) comes from a Greek word which technically means “one who serves”. The primary role of any doula is to serve the mother and her family in the way she feels is the best fit. There are several different types of doula but the most common one is the labour or birth doula. As a birth doula, I would provide emotional, informational and physical support to the expectant family, usually starting prenatally, during the birth and several hours postpartum and frequently continues to a postpartum visit anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after baby’s arrival.It is important to realize that while a doula is a wonderful resource for information and guidance about questions relating to pregnancy, birth, newborns and breastfeeding, we are not medical staff and our advice should not be confused with medical care from a primary care provider. However, as a doula, I can and will help you sort through the information overload many parents experience to discover what your ideal birth experience would be.
Statistically, birth doulas have a lot going for us. Studies have shown that the presence of a doula, giving constant, personal support to the mom- and dad- to- be: