What exactly is a Doula?
According to the DONA International, Inc. website a Doula is described as:
"The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period"
Is a Doula the same as a Midwife?
No. The goal of a doula is to be a constant and consistent support for the laboring mother. Depending on the location of delivery, a mid-wife could have more than one client laboring at the same time. Meaning they would need to split their time, going back and forth to check on each woman. Also, the midwife will have charting duties and other things to check on. A doula would always be with the woman laboring. A Doula is not medically trained. Whereas, a Midwife is trained on the in's and out's of how to deliver a baby safely and how to care for a mother's body postpartum. A doula is most concerned with the emotional and psychological aspects of the labor and delivery experience.
Where does a Doula fit within my birth team?
A woman's birth team can include any of the following people: a husband or partner, an overseeing physician or Midwife, a nurse, an anesthesiologist, a pediatrician, a sonographer, a high-risk OB/Gyn. A doula would flexible, and do what she could to work in conjunction with any and all of these specialists to make the environment as stress-free as possible for the laboring woman. A doula can not and will not offer medical advice or contradict advice given from a medical professional.