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Doula
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Birth Doula:
The word “doula” comes from ancient Greek and is now used to refer to a womyn who serves other womyn. It is applied to childbirth to refer to “a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and after childbirth” (“Mothering the Mother”). As a birth doula I offer incessant, uninterrupted presence during your labor. I have knowledge of comfort measures and help to advocate for you to acquire your wishes and goals. I also facilitate communication between you, your partner or family member, and any clinical care providers. Having a birth doula present during your birth may decrease your length of labor, reduce need for medications/interventions and increase time spent with your baby. “The acceptance of doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and infants” (DONA). Postpartum: The focus of a postpartum doula is on “mothering the mother”. As a postpartum doula I support you after birth, which allows you to bond with your new baby and recover from childbirth. I provide care to a family with a newborn by helping with care of the new mother, lite housekeeping, meal preparation, care for other siblings, running of errands, support with your partner or assistance with newborn care, such as breastfeeding. I establish a calm and healing environment for the new family during this intense and beautiful transition. Postpartum doulas understand the physical and emotional needs of the family after birth and the developmental stages of a newborn.
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