Journey to Birth 1.39

What is a doula?
Doula is a Greek word and traditionally means 'woman servant'.
A doula provides un-biased, non-medical support and information to mothers and their partners before, during, and after the birth of their baby.

What does a doula do?
A doula helps you work through your choices for birth and beyond by helping you & your partner create a birth preferences document (often called a Birth Plan).
A doula can help you work through any fears you may have regarding childbirth or becoming a parent.
A doula provides support for birth either at home, in the hospital, or in a birth centre.
A doula comes to you in labour at the point when you feel you need support. That might be right at the start or closer to the end. It is up to you!
A doula can help you feel more comfortable in labour by creating a safe space, providing you with non-medical pain relief (e.g hot packs, massage, counter-pressure), and giving suggestions for position changes.

What doesn't a doula do?
A doula does not perform any medical procedures.
A doula doesn't replace your partner. In fact we can enhance their experience of your baby’s birth by showing them ways they can assist the birthing woman, and by stepping in when they need a break. This ensures the mother has continuous support during labour and birth.
Most importantly, a doula does not advocate for you. Instead, she helps you find your voice so that you can advocate for yourselves.