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What is a Doula?
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The word doula may sound like something from another language to many and for
some it is just that. The term doula was originally a Greek word meaning the most important
female helper to the lady of the house and the person most likely to help the lady of the
house through childbirth. The word doula has come to be known as term for a person trained
in providing continuous support during labor as well as someone who provides pre-natal and
post-natal care. There are three types of doulas: An Anti-partum Doula aids a woman and her family
through pregnancy up until birth. This is normally due to the woman having a high-risk
pregnancy, but this is not always the case. What a doula offers depends on a few things, what type
of doula they are, what training they have gone through, certifications they have acquired,
their personal positions on pregnancy, birth, lactation, child care, and the like. An Anti-partum Doula might offer pregnancy planning, make healthy meals or snacks, do light house keeping chores, even personal company for a mother-to-be when she finds herself alone or going to doctor appointments. This type of doula might also offer services such as pre-natal yoga and massage, if they are proficient in these areas. A Birth Doula by comparison generally starts offering services in the end of the second trimester and at any point during the third trimester. Birth doulas can provide a lot of the same generalized care as anti-partum and post-partum doulas, but this doula's focus is more on the labor and delivery. Birth doula's offer services such as: aid to create a birth plan, knowledge in natural induction methods, understanding birthing positions, and acting as an advocate with doctors and other medical staff members to ensure the mother's wishes are followed.The Birth Doula might also be trained in aromatherapy, crystal therapy, or have knowledge of flower essences. By far the greatest service a Birth Doula has to offer is that of continuous ongoing support throughout the entire labor and delivery. This by no means indicates a need, or want, to take over or control what is happening during the mother's labor. |
The Birth Doula is there as much to support the mother as well as to support all others involved, husband, boyfriend, siblings, grandparents, and so on. They offer knowledge, experience, and understanding on top of their ongoing support to provide for the best overall out come. Birth doulas typically stay for a short time after the birth to comfort and encourage the new mother and father as they care for their newborn. They also help establish breastfeeding along with the parent's confidence in the handling of their precious little bundle. Normally Birth Doulas are in touch with the family for some time after the birth to offer them limited support. After the birth is when Post-partum Doulas come into play with knowledge of topics important to a new mother, new father, and new families. These topics may include, but are not limited to breastfeeding, playtime, and recovery. A Post-partum Doula is much like an Anti-partum Doula, only with the focus being on family bonding and baby care. Not only do they offer the hands on assistance that Anti-partum Doula's do, but they often help the new family to get in contact with their local community connections to parental circles that are of benefit to them and in line with their interests as well. No matter what type of doula you are looking to have, knowledge is the best way to ensure that you find your best fit. One should call or meet with the perspective doula and ask questions! What training and background does your perspective doula have? What is their philosophy on childbirth, support for women during birth, and the interaction of support sources in the delivery room? Do they offer any pre/post-natal services; what are they? How hands on are they usually during labor? What else do they offer; yoga, massage, and aromatherapy? Do they provide back up doulas case of their absence; can you meet with them as well? Do they have any references? What are their fees, do they charge more for extra services, and do they offer a sliding scale? As well as anything else that comes to your mind of course. Once you find the doula for you everything should take off with ease. You can start to discuss how she can assist you with your personal wants and needs for your pregnancy, labor, delivery, and beyond. Always remember that this is your experience and the doula is only there to aid you in achieving the most satisfying, wonderful, and rewarding pregnancy and birth you could possibly have. Written by Kimberli "Angil" Dix-Moon for Expectant Mother's Guide to Northeast New Jersey 2008 |
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