A Doula is…
What is a doula (gk δούλη: “A woman who serves”)…
A doula provides continuous emotional and physical support to mothers and their partners before, during and after labor and delivery.
A doula is knowledgeable about the physiology birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
A doula informs and advocates for families, giving them the tools they need to make choices and plans for the best possible experience and outcome
A doula is experienced in non-pharmaceutical pain management
A doula nurtures and encourages a woman and her partner throughout her labor and delivery
A doula assists with practical needs during labor
A doula facilitates for the participation of the partner at his/her comfort level
Multiple studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily. (www.dona.org)
I’m a doula, and I absolutely love it. I trained and practiced overseas (in Vancouver, Canada) and I’m now bringing this gift to South Africa. Alongside the honour of motivating and encouraging a birthing team in labour, I’m also pretty good at long foot rubs, grabbing some coffee when needed and taking pics when your little bub arrives.
To find out more about the role of a doula and the benefits of hiring one, please visit the DONA website.
You make a great point that a doula provides emotional and physical support to mothers and their partners during and after pregnancy. I recently found out that I am pregnant and I am very nervous about it, so having a doula there to provide support for my husband and me would be a huge benefit. Also, the fact that they are able to give us the tools that we need to have the best pregnancy possible is great.
Absolutely! Congrats with your pregnancy and all the best with your birth! Hire a doula! xxx
Thanks for detailing what a doula is. I appreciate that you pointed out that a doula is experienced in non-pharmaceutical pain management. I am thinking about getting a doula for when I give birth because I think it would help the process be a lot better for me.