The word doula ("doo-lah") is ancient Greek, and means 'woman's personal servant', who in ancient times also supported the woman in childbirth. Its modern use refers to a woman trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous emotional and physical support and information during pregnancy, labour and into the early weeks of parenting.
Doulas support women and their partners during pregnancy, throughout the birth process wherever that may be (home birth with a qualified midwife, birth centre, labour ward at hospital) and during the postnatal period. The doula is not a midwife, a nurse or a medical practitioner.
Doulas DO NOT provide medical, nursing, midwifery or any therapeutic care, nor do they comment on, interpret or judge this care. The doula provides three types of support:
The presence of a trained Doula has been shown to significantly enhance the birth experience for a mother, her partner and her baby as well as increasing the safety of birth. Research has shown that the presence of a Doula also reduces the length of labour and the need for drugs, cesarean sections and other interventions.
During pregnancy, labour, birth and early parenting, many couples feel overwhelmed by the amount of conflicting advice they receive. Having the support of a professional Doula during this time can help expel any myths, fears and 'unknowns' so that the couple can enjoy this exciting - yet vulnerable time.
As your Doula I will visit you and your partner at home for the number of visits you choose. The home antenatal visits prepare the way for the best labour and birth for you as an individual. During these visits we will get to know each other and I will bring any information I have that you request or I think you may be interested in. This may include such things as articles from the internet, leaflets, books and DVDs that I have collected for my personal Doula library. I make an effort to include a wide variety of information that gives an unbiased view of issues concerning childbirth. The information I bring is meant for you to deepen your personal knowledge and begin your own exploration so that you can better judge your needs. As your knowledge grows you will be able to develop your birth plan and will be able to instruct me about the type of birth you would like. I will then be able to offer suggestions about comfortable positions and strategies to assist your physical and emotional comfort. We will be able to practice these in your home with your partner to more fully prepare for the birth process.
My overall aim is to help you to achieve the best birth experience for you, whether you choose a natural birth, a medically assisted birth or an elective caesarean section.
As your doula I can offer you:
I will fully support you and your birth intentions (birth plan) without judgement and will not try to change your mind – my concern is not for where or how you choose to give birth but what your experience of birth is. I will be present for the entire birth, and then leave once everyone has settled and feeding has been established. I will also be there for you to ‘de-brief’ the birth experience during a post-natal visit.
*Breastfeeding counselling will always be available indefinitely at no charge*