What Is a Birth Doula? (In Jen's Words)
A doula is quite literally a servant, and her responsibility is to the mother and the partner's non-medical needs. No job is too menial. If it is pertinent to the mother's birth and well-being, I will be her arms and legs so she can fully relax into her birthing time as much as possible. This can be a wide range of tasks, from grabbing a cup of water to helping a mother change birth positions when needed.
I am not here to replace a birth partner, but rather take the pressure off the partner so they can participate within their comfort level. Members of the birthing family are often surprised by how much more calm they are when they have someone else in the room who is familiar with birth and "on their side". My heart's desire is to encourage the bond and teamwork of a growing family in this amazing time. Birth partners sometimes just need the occasional suggestion about where they can best help.
Birthing families and healthcare providers sometimes don't speak the same language, and a doula can help to make sure a family understands what is being discussed. When decisions need to be made, if needed, a doula can prompt a family to ask questions that will assist in making informed choices that make sense for their family.
Certainly there are much better descriptions, but this is my basic interpretation and explanation of what in the world a doula is and does. I am certain, too, that this definition will continue to shift and evolve over time.
I am not here to replace a birth partner, but rather take the pressure off the partner so they can participate within their comfort level. Members of the birthing family are often surprised by how much more calm they are when they have someone else in the room who is familiar with birth and "on their side". My heart's desire is to encourage the bond and teamwork of a growing family in this amazing time. Birth partners sometimes just need the occasional suggestion about where they can best help.
Birthing families and healthcare providers sometimes don't speak the same language, and a doula can help to make sure a family understands what is being discussed. When decisions need to be made, if needed, a doula can prompt a family to ask questions that will assist in making informed choices that make sense for their family.
Certainly there are much better descriptions, but this is my basic interpretation and explanation of what in the world a doula is and does. I am certain, too, that this definition will continue to shift and evolve over time.