What’s a doula?
First of all, I’d just like to say that I’m SO glad you are asking. Too many people don’t know what a doula is, but everyone can benefit from having one.
I’ll start by giving the ‘official’ definition of a doula.
The American Pregnancy Association (APA), states that a doula is “a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a (edited: parent) who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. Their purpose is to help (edited: people) have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience. Most often, the term doula refers to the birth doula or labor support companion. However, there are also antepartum doulas and postpartum. Most of the following information relates to the labor doula. Doulas can also be referred to as labor companions, labor support specialists, labor support professionals, birth assistants, or labor assistants.”
This does not cover it, though. There are SO many kinds of doulas and the most supported definitions allow room for diversity in focus. The common thread between all of them is that:
Doulas are emotional, physical, and educational support people through all stages of life.
There are birth doulas (that’s me!), postpartum doulas (also me!), bereavement doulas, death doulas, abortion doulas, reproductive health doulas, full spectrum doulas, fertility doulas, and more.
Additionally, there are trained, untrained, and certified doulas. There are benefits to all types, so look into why one kind might be a better fit for you family than another.
All of this to say, doulas are essential. Our society does not provide adequate support to people as they navigate all aspects of life. Specifically, in birth, even though nurses, midwives, and OBs are INCREDIBLE, they cannot physically (or emotionally) be there for you at all times. They are working with many clients (a lot of them at the same time), and are focused on the medical aspects of your journey. This leaves room for doubt, worry, and misunderstanding. Likewise, if you have a partner present in the birthspace, they are all kinds of wrapped up in what’s happening to you and your body to keep track of everything that’s happening and know how to help you. A doula is not a medical provider. We are not your romantic or platonic partner. We are not a family member. We are hired to support you in exactly the way you wish.
We are people who hold space for you to process and ask questions, provide education about the labor experience, and give emotional support throughout your pregnancy.
As a certified birth doula, and certifying postpartum doula I work WITH your birth team to provide continuous, compassionate support to you as you birth your child and begin your parenthood journey.
Birth doulas also work with you during your prenatal period (so no more webmd spirals). I work hard to normalize the birthing process, remind you of your power, encourage a productive relationship with your provider, and provide a soft place for you to land.
As a Birth Doula, my job is to enhance your pregnancy and birthing experience. For all of you.
As a Postpartum Doula, my job is to help you build your foundation: communication, sleep, eating, and basic needs.
Ya know?! All that good stuff.
doula providing emotional support to birthing person