What Is A Doula

Doula is a Greek word whose definition has come to mean a woman who helps other women. The word has further evolved to mean a women experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and after childbirth.
What Does A Birth Doula Do?

Doulas do not provide you with any clinical care, so they do not replace your doctor or midwife.   During our visits we begin to explore and prepare for your birth and find the best way that works for you. This may be in the form of finding the appropriate childbirth class, learning techniques, writing a birth plan, among many other things. During this time I am available for any questions or “wonderings” that may have come up along the way. I usually labor with the family at home and when you are ready to leave for your place of birth I will follow with you or in my car depending on the progress of labor. Doulas are trained to use the emotional and physical sign-posts of labor to access labor progress so that mom doesn’t go to the hospital too soon.

Doulas are proficient in massage, positioning, comfort measures, relaxation and breathing. I help by making suggestions about which position will help labor along or make labor more comfortable. Along the way I will make suggestions and reminders about simple things that are often forgotten, like going to the bathroom, drinking fluids, and eating. As your doula I will advocate for you and help you get the things that you wanted and didn’t want. I can also help you when changes need to be made or complications arise by offering information and support. After your baby is born I can help you with immediate postpartum care and help with breastfeeding.

Make sure to interview your doula, ask questions, feel out her answers. Does she sound confident? Do your personalities mesh? Do you feel pressured by her? This is one of life’s most memorable moments, a doula can help mom feel confident in her own body and mind by relieving anxiety and fear of the unknown.
Do Dads Feel Left Out?

No! Doulas do not replace the father in any way, shape or form. In fact many of the dads that I work with say that having me there helped them to help their partner. They felt less anxiety and were better able to enjoy the experience. Some have a hard time remembering what was taught in class, and are often not prepared to see what labor and birth are really like. Doulas can take that pressure off by allowing them to do what they do best, love their partner. 

Who Needs A Doula?

Anyone having a baby can use a birth doula. Some people believe that doulas are only for women who want an unmedicated birth. This is not true. Doulas have very important roles to play in medicated and surgical births too. Women who are planning a natural birth often do hire doulas to help increase their support team, as do women desiring a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean.

If you are planning to have a close friend or relative who have had a babies be your labor
coach just remember that having a baby and supporting another woman through childbirth
is entirely different.

Doulas are trained & experienced in the process of childbirth.  Doulas understand what is normal for labor and birth and how to keep labor progressing and mom comfortable. Most Doulas are well versed in hospital routines and procedures. Most of us have worked in several local hospitals and know some of the staff, this helps to lessen the anxiety of the unknown and tension related with having a baby in a hospital.

Be prepared as much as you can be, ask questions, do your research, and live a healthy lifestyle.

What is a Birth Doula?

Serving Lake, Orange, Seminole and Volusia Counties
Call (407) 398-2646