"Remember that you have choices. If you aren't making them,
someone will be making them for you."
September Phillips, Louisville Doula.
What is a Doula?
Nowadays mums-to-be are often unable to enjoy their pregnancy, labour and new baby because of many pressures happening in our society.
"Doula" (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver". Today, it refers to a woman who offers emotional and practical support to another woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth. A Doula believes in “mothering the mother”. She helps the woman, accompanies and encourages her to have the most satisfying experience during pregnancy, birth and the early days as a new mum. This also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the beauty of this new life experience.
There are two types of Doulas – Birth and Postnatal – and some cover both areas.
A Birth Doula offers physical and emotional support to the mum (and her partner) during labour and birth. They don’t support in a clinical role, but are a continuous, reassuring presence. Most Doulas (although not all) are mothers themselves and may or may not have done additional training.
It is important to keep in mind that the Doulas are NOT there to replace the dad's role. In fact, a Doula never takes the place of anyone during pregnancy and childbirth. Her role is to offer additional support, hands, love, nurturing and knowledge. During labour, it can be sometimes hard for the dad to know exactly what to do and when to do it, so the Doula is there to guide him. In cases like these, she shows him how he can be of help to the mum.
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A need of support in labour
Continuous support from a Doula
provides physical and emotional benefits
for mothers and heath bonuses for their babies.
With less medical interventions,
fewer complications, and shorter hospital stays,
there may be financial savings as well.
HARVARD HEALTH LETTER
("The Doula Book" Marshall H. Klaus, John H. Kennell and Phyllis H. Klaus)
Postnatal Doulas support the parents at home after the birth. They work flexible hours to suit the family, offering practical and emotional support. In many cultures, especially in the West, new mums are rushed back into normal activities, whereas in other cultures, mothers are suggested to rest and stay in bed for a period of 40 days. In our society, this may be hard or even impossible to achieve. So what the Postnatal Doula does, is to give mum and the newborn that much needed time and space to bond.