doula
/doo-luh/, noun:
a guide during pregnancy who provides individual preparation for your
unique childbirth experience; she is a hands-on support person throughout labor
and birth, providing proven comfort techniques and
encouragement for a safer and more satisfying experience;
she is there for a new family after the birth by providing
the care and supportive services in your home when it is most needed.
Nurturing . Reassurance . Confidence . Physical support . Emotional support . Resources...
/doo-luh/, noun:
a guide during pregnancy who provides individual preparation for your
unique childbirth experience; she is a hands-on support person throughout labor
and birth, providing proven comfort techniques and
encouragement for a safer and more satisfying experience;
she is there for a new family after the birth by providing
the care and supportive services in your home when it is most needed.
Nurturing . Reassurance . Confidence . Physical support . Emotional support . Resources...
A servant for the mother and a support for the family.
She is not a friend.
She is not a healthcare provider.
She is a mother figure of the most ancient kind.
Her life experience empowers you.
She is a reassuring presence who will always listen to you
and support you in your chosen path.
She will remind you of those choices, and the reason you made them,
when you doubt, are anxious, or afraid.
She sees you; the real you.
Her understanding of your jour-
ney supports your self-confidence. She
eases pain with a touch, a word, a look
She is a doula.
To the parent/s,
My goal is to provide an atmosphere of comfort and confidence during your birth and within your family home. I want you to feel at ease to learn the role of a new parent or parent of a growing family, without anxiety or feelings of judgment.
~I will provide you with up-to-date resources and information for any questions or concerns you may have.
~When your energy and patience runs out, I am there to fill in until you have had the time you need to rest and care for yourself in whichever way you need, to start again.
~I will help you take the time you need to ‘really sleep’ while you feel assured knowing that your baby is in the care of a trained Doula.
~I will maintain day to day tasks that would otherwise take your energy to keep on top of and allow you more time to bond with your baby and family and get the rest that you need.
~I will help you with regular personal check-ins and help you understand what is normal for new parents and what may be Postpartum baby blues or signs of Postpartum Depression.
I believe Doulas are a necessary role in today’s birthing and parenting community. As a Doula, my goal is to bring a sense of my Doula community on my clients. I want you to trust, believe and feel that I can bring comfort, knowledge, experience, and resources so that whenever something comes up, I can be there in whichever way you need. I want you to know that you are capable, moving forward and gaining confidence for the day I am no longer needed.
Research shows parents who receive support can:
Feel more secure and cared for
Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
Have greater success with breastfeeding
Have greater self-confidence
Have less postpartum depression
Reduce the need for intervention during birth
Taken from http://www.dona.org/mothers/why_use_a_doula.php
Feel more secure and cared for
Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
Have greater success with breastfeeding
Have greater self-confidence
Have less postpartum depression
Reduce the need for intervention during birth
Taken from http://www.dona.org/mothers/why_use_a_doula.php
(There is a common thought that doulas are the same as homebirth midwives. This is not true because doulas do not deliver babies or provide any other hands-on medical care. We do not diagnose nor medicate)
