What's A Doula?

The word “doula” is an ancient Greek word meaning “a woman who serves.”

A doula is a non-medical birth assistant that provides support, educates, and nurtures a woman throughout the course of her pregnancy, birth, and post-partum time. There are many different types of doulas, and no matter what type of birth is on the horizon for you, there is a doula for that.

A doula’s labor practices include, physical touch, massage, breath work, pain management, holistic integration, emotional support, and more. While you labor, your doula will assist you and provide body positioning and movement techniques that will help bring your baby earthside. A doula can advocate for you when it comes to timelines, such as when to move forward with certain protocols regarding hospital procedures, drugs, induction, or any other issues that may arise. She is essentially a touchstone and a guiding force for your birth.

How do I find a Doula?

Explore your local birth centers. One phrase I remember hearing as I was seeking to become a doula was, “Go to where the midwives are,” and this is an excellent place to start. Make a visit to a birth center, search social media groups, and use local platforms to connect with doulas and birth workers around you. Doulas usually offer something called a “doula circle.” This is where pregnant mothers in search of connecting with a doula can personally meet and find a birth worker.

Your OB may or may not offer resources for external birth services. Having a doula is an ancient tradition that has been used for many years across many different cultures, however some Dr. 's won't support these services due to the fact that a doula is not medically trained.

Doulas have many different certification programs they can take to validate their work experience. This is not required to be a doula; however, some mothers may feel more comfortable working with someone who is certified. Some of the best doulas I have known have had significant birth experience, and no credentials.

Choose your doula instinctually. Your birth is an intimate experience, and you want to be with a doula who aligns with you and yours. Discuss your birth plan, ask questions, and get to know each other. It’s basically an interview for both parties and you’ll want to make sure that the vibes lineup before entering into an agreement together.

In the wake of covid-19 doula support has changed due to the amount of people that can attend a birth. I know several doula’s who have worked closely with the partner who is attending the birth to impart labor techniques and education. I also know of doula’s who have guided births via FaceTime during the pandemic. Always ask your midwife, or OB about birth attendance policies so you’ll know if your doula can attend your birth.