What's a Doula?
For birth companions to simply be,
to do nothing when nothing is all there is to be done,
to offer support without judgement, guidance without attachment,
love without conditions - that is perhaps the greatest challenge and the greatest gift.
~ Vicki Chan, Midwife
We have compiled and edited some unconventional definitions of what a doula does from the unique perspectives of moms who were blessed by having one. Each quote is then explained and elaborated on. Enjoy!
A Doula is...
A Doula is like birth insurance - only they don't fit in your back pocket quite as nicely
Although we cannot insure that you will get the birth that you want, we will do everything in our power to help you get there. And, at the same time, we will minimize risk, give alternative options, educate, give great hand, foot & back rubs, get you moving around, provide information & resources, and give suggestions that will give you the best chance of staying out of that red zone.
Although we cannot insure that you will get the birth that you want, we will do everything in our power to help you get there. And, at the same time, we will minimize risk, give alternative options, educate, give great hand, foot & back rubs, get you moving around, provide information & resources, and give suggestions that will give you the best chance of staying out of that red zone.
A Doula is like your best friend and mom... without all the scary birth stories
We will encourage, support, listen, suggest, and sometimes, if you have asked us to, put our feet down and remind you of your desires in the heat of birth when you have a hard time remembering the goal. And, if you have to detour off the path that you had hoped to stay on, we provide excellently padded & comfortable shoulders, open ears, and empathetic, nonjudgmental hearts. We truly have your best interests in mind, and are your biggest fans.
We will encourage, support, listen, suggest, and sometimes, if you have asked us to, put our feet down and remind you of your desires in the heat of birth when you have a hard time remembering the goal. And, if you have to detour off the path that you had hoped to stay on, we provide excellently padded & comfortable shoulders, open ears, and empathetic, nonjudgmental hearts. We truly have your best interests in mind, and are your biggest fans.
A Doula never gets tired...
Please, keep thinking that. :) It is amazing how far high protein snacks, coffee, chocolates, 5 minute power naps, and lots of sleep-deprivation training can get you.
Please, keep thinking that. :) It is amazing how far high protein snacks, coffee, chocolates, 5 minute power naps, and lots of sleep-deprivation training can get you.
A Doula will stand by you and your decisions, whatever they may be
Doulas support women who are choosing unmedicated birth, medicated births, hospital, home, and birth center births. We support women with multiple gestations, medical complications, variations, and normality. We are trained in what is normal and natural and how to make situations where interventions are chosen or become necessary as productive and risk free as possible.
Doulas support women who are choosing unmedicated birth, medicated births, hospital, home, and birth center births. We support women with multiple gestations, medical complications, variations, and normality. We are trained in what is normal and natural and how to make situations where interventions are chosen or become necessary as productive and risk free as possible.
A Doula is dad's third hand
Doulas give dads a teammate. Birth is often compared to a marathon. It is important to keep the birthing mother hydrated, fueled and even rested periodically during her birthing event. Same goes for dad. Dads need to eat, drink, stretch, take naps and refresh themselves during labors that last more than a few hours. A doula gives dad someone to tag to come in the ring when he needs to bow out for a break, as well as to provide him with hands-on tips and suggestions as he meets mom's present needs. Dads often feel tremendous relief having the support of someone who he knows will gently guide mom (and himself!), and will support her choices (to read an encouraging word from a fellow dad on the support a doula can offer couples, check out this great article).
Doulas give dads a teammate. Birth is often compared to a marathon. It is important to keep the birthing mother hydrated, fueled and even rested periodically during her birthing event. Same goes for dad. Dads need to eat, drink, stretch, take naps and refresh themselves during labors that last more than a few hours. A doula gives dad someone to tag to come in the ring when he needs to bow out for a break, as well as to provide him with hands-on tips and suggestions as he meets mom's present needs. Dads often feel tremendous relief having the support of someone who he knows will gently guide mom (and himself!), and will support her choices (to read an encouraging word from a fellow dad on the support a doula can offer couples, check out this great article).
A Doula is whatever you need her to be, right when you need it
Listening to a mama, not just what she says, but what she does with her body and her vocalization, can tell us so much. A doula learns to listen with her whole body; her instincts, her ears, her eyes, her sense of smell, and her hands. If we feel a taut muscle, see a grimace out of place, smell the sweet smell of birth, hear a grunt at the peak of a cresting contraction - all of these cues speak to us of mom's needs and her journey.
Listening to a mama, not just what she says, but what she does with her body and her vocalization, can tell us so much. A doula learns to listen with her whole body; her instincts, her ears, her eyes, her sense of smell, and her hands. If we feel a taut muscle, see a grimace out of place, smell the sweet smell of birth, hear a grunt at the peak of a cresting contraction - all of these cues speak to us of mom's needs and her journey.
Many paragraphs from this have been pulled from www.wonderfullymadebelliesandbabies.blogspot.com