What is a doula and why is it associated with pregnancy?

Hello ladies, I’ve read in many forums and webpages about pregnancy the word “doula” and I honestly don’t know what it is. I’m taken aback because I’m currently pregnant and I’ve learnt tones of pregnancy vocabulary, so at this point I should become a pregnancy teacher or something. Anyway, can anybody explain what is a doula, please? Thanks!!

Dear AlarmClock,

A doula is a person who offers emotional and physical support to pregnant women and their partner during pregnancy and after childbirth. The term “doula” is a Greek word that literally means “caregiver or servant” and refers to women. It is pronounced /doo-la/.

Doulas provide support for new mothers and families in their own homes. They’re usually experienced women who have previously undertaken a doula preparation course, and they are able to support all family types regardless of their ethnicity, religion, social background, etc. Same-sex couples, single parents, low-income families, etc. are included as well.

However, doulas are not there during labor unless parental choice, or when the mother’s partner is unable to be there during labor and birth. It should be clear that they not take a clinical role.

I hope I have been able to help,

Best

Hi dear. Doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth and are usually mothers themselves. While they have good knowledge and awareness of the birth process, a doula does not support the mother-to-be in a medical role. That is the job of the midwife or doctor. A doula helps the mother-to-be to achieve the birth she hopes for, no matter if it’s a birth with or without drugs, or a c-section. This makes a doula a valuable addition to the birth team. Should a birth become complicated and require medical assistance, a doula will still remain by your side and help in any way she can. She will not make decisions for those she supports, but she will assist them through the decision-making process. A doula provides balanced information so the couple can make their own choices. Many women consider doulas to be an absolute must, especially for those giving birth in a hospital. Actually doula does a lot of things like Birth education and preparation, Birth planning (including creating a written birth plan/birth preferences document), De-briefing previous births, Massage and other comfort measures , Optimal fetal positioning , Suggest positions and changes to help ease pain and facilitate a smoother, more effective labour , Provide reassurance and encouragement , Talking through emotional blockages which may come up during pregnancy and in labour , Keep your ‘environment’ going – aromatherapy, music, candles etc , Assisting you with negotiation of your preferences , Photography and/or video of the birth itself, as well as those precious first moments as a family , etc. One of the biggest bonuses of hiring a doula is that fact that she is a professional birth support person. I hope you will get an idea about Doula after reading this. Hope it helped. Be safe and stay blessed.