What is a doula?

A doula is there specifically for the physical, emotional, mental & informational support of the mother, as well as her partner.

​

A midwife is essentially the medical expert in charge of the physical well-being of the mother & baby. The midwife is trained to handle any medical emergencies the baby or mother may have.

A trained doula can attend any clincal or home birth. However, at this time, most hospitals require a doula to be certified in order to attend a hospital birth, unless she is one of the allowed support people. Just like with any home or clinic birth, a doula will act as a support for the mother during labor or delivery.

There are labor & delivery doulas, & postpartum doulas. Labor & delivery doulas help during the birth process, whereas, postpartum doulas help in the clients home in the days or weeks following birth.

The cost of the doula differs depending on the geographic location as well as the experience level of the doula.

Once you contact your potential doula, you will meet with her to see if she is a good fit for you. This will likely happen in the second or third trimester.

​

If you find her to be a good fit, you will sign a contract, go over a birthing plan, & likely meet a couple more times just to get more comfortable with each other. Once the birthing mom has gone into labor, she will notify the doula & together they will decide when the best time would be for the doula is to come. 

​

The doula will be with the laboring mom throughout labor until an hour or two after birth. She will also meet with the mom & baby about a week after birth for a postpartum visit.

A trained doula attends classes to be a "birth coach" which includes basics of different positions for the birthing mom that are helpful, as well as counter-pressure & relaxation techniques.

A doula cant opt to extend her training to be a certified doula which includes more classes & a significant list of requirements.

A doula must also keep current with her training. 

There are many different reasons to having a doula.

Sometimes a mother just wants an extra pair of hands to help with counter-pressure, getting water or healthy snacks, etc. 

Other times, a doula is used for helping the laboring mom change positions, as well as knowing what positions/exercises might encourage her baby to get into a better position. 

​

Sometimes a laboring mom just needs a calming voice to encourage her when she is getting overwhelmed.

​

These are a few reasons having a doula at your birth is helpful.