What is a Doula?

Blog subject: The Importance of Doulas during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and post partum.
GUEST Blogger name: Stacy Back
GUEST BLOGGER Title: Birth and Post Partum Doula
Company website: www.back2basicsbirth.com

A doula, quite simply, is a labor support person. Typically, they are women who have given birth before (but not all) and want to be able to give support to the laboring woman prenatally, during labor and delivery, and post partum. In the Greek language, doula literally translates “female servant.” Women who desire a natural birth without medication typically hire doulas but many women who desire a medicated birth will hire a doula also.

There are birth Doulas who help the mother and father and even siblings prepare for the upcoming birth through education and preparation. The birth Doula typically provides this through a few prenatal visits and then will be in attendance during the labor and delivery. During labor a doula will support you by giving lots of verbal affirmations that you are doing a great job, remind you that you’ll soon be holding your baby, offer recommendations on positions to labor in, help your breathe appropriately through contractions, offer a massage, remind you to hydrate or eat if you are allowed food, walk with you, play music, dim the lights, etc.. There are so many different things a Doula can do for you during labor and the main thing they are focused on is you, as the laboring mother. After delivery your doula can help you initiate breastfeeding, stay with you until you are settled into your room, and just be there to help support you and share in the joy of your new baby. If a problem arises and the baby needs to be immediately transferred to the NICU and the father goes with the baby, your doula can stay with you so you are not alone. Typically, your Doula will stay with you 1-2 hours after delivery. Typically, a birth Doula will charge a flat rate which includes 1-2 prenatal visits, labor and delivery, and 1 post partum follow up visit. Many Doulas offer different packages so depending on what your needs are you may pay less or more.

A post partum Doula is someone who helps out once you are home with your new baby. She may help you when you breastfeed or bottle feed, do light housework, meal preparation and overall, support you as you embark on this journey with your new little one. If there is a sibling she may entertain him/her while you tend to the baby. Typically, a post partum Doula charges by the hour.

Overall, a Doula is a wonderful gift to the laboring and post partum woman and her family. Many times the Doula becomes like a close friend or family member. As a Doula I always see it as a privilege to attend a birth and to serve a family post partum. Birth is truly a miracle and to be a part of that is the best job in the world!

For more information please log onto our website @ www.back2basicsbirth.com