The Greek word Doula means woman caregiver and describes a trained and experienced labor companion. A Doula provides women and their partners with continuous emotional support, physical comfort and assistance in obtaining information before, during and after childbirth. The role of a Doula is not a new one. Throughout history women have been supported by other women during childbirth.
The role of your partner and the role of a Doula are both unique. Your partner knows you like no other and as your Doula I have a unique knowledge and comfort with childbirth. Together we will work as a team to provide the ultimate support, never in conflict. With the presence of a Doula your partner is able to enjoy his journey into fatherhood and not be overwhelmed with being your sole source of comfort and knowledge.
Just as every mother and baby are unique, my services are unique to each birth that I attend. Your childbirth experience is one you will carry with you forever. Together we will develop a birth plan that works for you and your partner. For most couples this means that your partner is the primary source of support with me there to guide the two of you, providing ideas on supportive measures and the normalcy of birth and to answer questions and offer encouragement. Working closely together before your birth enables us to establish your preferences and practice comfort measures. As your doula I am comfortable stepping into any role where I can offer the most support.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions that I face as a childbirth doula, and my favorite to correct! As your childbirth doula I am there to support you whatever the situation. Women who are planning on having an epidural (or other type of analgesia) for their childbirth need as much support, if not more, than a woman who is planning an un-medicated birth. Support is needed to get through the early stages of labor and education is needed on routine procedures that will be done upon admission to your birth facility. Additionally, your partner will still need to be supported in order to prepare for the birth of your baby.
While I work independently, I have established a close partnership with another doula who shares the same philosophies that I do. Having a back-up doula allows each of us to be on-call if there is a need, although neither of us has had to utilize one another. Continual support during labor is of utmost importance and as your doula I am well versed in the spontaneity of labor.