What Is A Doula?
The term "doula" originates from the Greek word meaning "woman's servant." Today it is a term used to describe specially trained women that provide non-medical support to laboring women and their partners.
Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:
Doulas In Action Although a doula is there to provide information and support to a laboring mother, there may be times that the birth plan may need to be modified. If that is the case a doula can assist the expectant mother and her partner to make educated decisions along with the mother's healthcare provider.
During childbirth a doula may help a laboring mother by suggesting laboring positions, providing gentle massage, assisting mother with breathing and relaxation, use positive affirmations, going for supplies, providing a relaxing environment with soft music and battery-powered candles and providing calm and loving reassurance. She can also assist with breastfeeding, diapering, swaddling, soothing, and offer help with selecting and using a baby carrier.
Doulas also can also recommend services for her clients, such as support groups, pediatricians, childbirth classes, and additional breastfeeding support.
What A Doula Does Not Do
A doula does not speak to medical staff on a mom's behalf, but rather helps facilitate conversation between medical staff and mother and her partner.
Doulas do not replace nurses or other medical staff. Doulas do not perform clinical or medical tasks such as taking blood pressure or temperature, monitoring fetal heart rate, doing vaginal examinations or providing postpartum clinical care.
A doula does not replace the partner or other support people, as they hold a very important role in the birthing process.
