What is a doula + what do I do?

This is a very common question and I thought I should do my best to answer it—

Lets start with a variation of a textbook definition:

Doula is a Greek word referring to an experienced woman who helps other women. The word has now come to mean a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.

As your Doula, I am not a replacement for a doctor or midwife. The role of a Doula is specifically to support the birthing Mama during her transition into motherhood. Doulas can support in a variety of ways including but not limited to, finding childbirth classes, labor and birth techniques, creating a birth plan and postpartum support. As your doula, I am here for YOU as an advocate, support system and educator. Remember, YOU are my number one priority. 

As your doula, I am trained in massage, labor and birth positioning, a variety of comfort measures, relaxation and breathing techniques. I will help you and your partner decide which position will help labor along or make labor more comfortable, as well as, make suggestions and reminders about simple things like going to the bathroom, or drinking fluids. 

I will help you remember what plans you had for labor and be an advocate for you during this entire process. I am also there to help you if there are any changes or complications that arise.

My role as your doula is to put you and your family first, and to support each one of you.

I do not come in between any birthing mother and their partners, I simply facilitate and encourage the intimate and sacred connection between them. I very delicately individualize my support for each family I serve, and fully embrace the role of the father/partner.

As your Doula I will be you and your family’s advocate, to ensure you are listened to, supported and do everything I can to help you have the birth of your choice, however that looks.

Furthermore, as your Doula, I will help you navigate through your prenatal and postpartum journeys. Especially for brand new parents, the journey through pregnancy and parenthood can be overwhelming. I am here for you to help answer questions, find you evidence based research, guide you through alternative health care and to simply be a listening ear.