What is a Birth Doula?

A birth doula is a supportive companion professionally trained to provide physical and emotional support during labor and birth.   A doula provides continuous support, beginning during early or active labor, through birth, and for approximately 2 hours following the birth. The doula offers help and advice on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement, positioning, and massage. She also assists families with gathering information about the course of labor and their options. Her most critical role is providing continuous emotional reassurance and comfort.

The wisdom and emotional support provided by experienced women during labor and birth is not a new idea.  In nearly every culture throughout history, women have been surrounded and cared for by other women during childbirth. The modern doula is an ancient tradition.   A birth doula recognizes childbirth as a key life experience that the mom and dad/partner will remember all their lives. 

Doulas attend home births and hospital births, medicated births and unmedicated births, with women attended by doctors or midwives. Doulas may be the only support person for the mother, or may be part of a labor support team including mom’s partner, friend(s), and/or family members. 

Doulas specialize in non-medical skills, and do not perform clinical tasks, or diagnose medical conditions.
Doulas do not make decisions for their clients. Their goal is to provide the support and information needed to help the birthing mother have a satisfying birth as defined by the mother.

Studies have shown dramatic enhancement of overall birth satisfaction when a doula is present.

What is a Postpartum Doula?

The early weeks and months after a baby is born is an important time of transition for a family, whether the first or fifth child. In traditional cultures, the mother is cared for and supported by other experienced mothers as she rests, recovers and learns to care for and get to know her baby. In today's society, this special "lying in" period has become extinct. New moms are expected to resume their daily tasks all while recovering physically and emotionally, caring for her baby and any siblings, and managing the redefinition of roles and relationships.
 
A doula is a trained professional woman caregiver with a quiet presence in your home who provides individualized care to families with a newborn. Postpartum doulas understand that both new and experienced parents need time to adjust to their additional responsibilities. She provides practical help to make the adjustment period feel less overwhelming and reduce family stress. A doula offers non-judgmental guidance, information on normal postpartum restoration and infant development and assists the whole family emotionally through this major life transition.
 
A doula does not take over the care of the baby or impose her styles on you, but rather she will provide you with evidence-based information and essential support to help you develop your unique parenting style.  Armed with experience, patience and a sympathetic ear, a postpartum doula will hold your hand, hand you a cup of tea and help you embrace your new role.
 
A doula first visits the mother during pregnancy. After the birth, she comes to your home to provide guidance in all aspects of newborn feeding and care, she is a mentor who answers your questions and offers assurance.  A doula assists with holding and diapering the baby, taking care of siblings and the baby while parents nap, shower or take a much needed break  She can also offer practical help as time permits including preparing simple meals, answering the phone and door, laundry, light cleaning, grocery shopping or errands. Doulas do not do major house cleaning. They also do not perform any clinical tasks or diagnose medical conditions, although they will refer you to a medical professional as needed.