What is a doula?

Childbirth. The word itself brings to mind all sorts of images and connotations. Why is it so powerful, and sometimes fraught with mystery and intense emotions? That’s because it is a BIG DEAL! Every single one of us on this planet was born. We experienced being born, and our mothers gave birth. Our memories, whether conscious or not, become a part of our narrative for life.

We are beginning to realize the powerful impact of birth on mother, baby and the entire family. Our stories become woven into our identities. With that, many of us are looking for ways to improve our physical, emotional and spiritual outcomes from pregnancy, childbirth and new parenthood.

So how can a doula help with all of this? From the Doulas of North America website, a doula is:

“a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible”

That means that a doula is an independent, skilled support person whose sole purpose is to inform and empower the expectant mother and her partner. A doula is educated about pregnancy, labor and birth, and about how to help her clients best achieve their goals. A doula is not a primary care provider like a midwife or doctor; she is a helper, an assistant. She does not make decisions for her clients nor speak for them, but rather she helps them to find their own voice.

What questions do you have about finding the right doula for you?