What is a doula?

A doula is a woman who nurtures and cares for the expectant or new mother.  She "mothers the mother" while protecting the special bond between new parents and their child.

A doula does not make decisions for clients or intervene in their clinical care. She does not perform clinical or medical tasks.  Instead, she is there to provide informational and emotional support; to comfort the mother and her partner; and to enhance communication between the mother and medical professionals.  

"I knew she was there and she just melted into the action, whispering in my ear, reminding me at every turn how strong I was and simply that I could do it."

~~A new mother, speaking of her doula~~

Women have complex needs during pregnancy, childbirth, and the weeks that follow.  In addition to medical care and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect.  They need individualized care based on their circumstances and preferences.  This specialized care is exactly what a doula offers.

Source: "The Doula Book, How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, Healthier Birth" by Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus (2002).

In addition, research shows that parents who receive doula support:

• 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
• Have lower incidence of abuse

As a DONA International doula, I am educated and experienced in childbirth and the postpartum period.  I am trained to provide physical (non-medical), emotional, and informational support to women and their partners during labor and birth, as well as to families in the weeks following childbirth.