I've had a lot of questions about what a Doula is,
what a Doula does
and why/when/where people have
Doulas.
I thought I would share some information from the
{the Doula certification group}
to answer some questions.
I'll address some other questions in the future,
but thought this was a good start!
What is a doula?
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.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
A Birth Doula
* Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
* Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
* Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
* Stays with the woman throughout the labor
* Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision
* Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
* Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
* Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level
A birth doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials CD(DONA).
Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.
A Postpartum Doula
* Offers education, companionship and nonjudgmental support during the postpartum fourth trimester
* Assists with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tidying
* Offers evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and makes appropriate referrals when necessary
A postpartum doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials PCD(DONA).
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.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
A Birth Doula
* Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
* Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
* Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
* Stays with the woman throughout the labor
* Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision
* Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
* Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
* Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level
A birth doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials CD(DONA).
Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.
A Postpartum Doula
* Offers education, companionship and nonjudgmental support during the postpartum fourth trimester
* Assists with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tidying
* Offers evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and makes appropriate referrals when necessary
A postpartum doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials PCD(DONA).
**I'm a birth doula and will be
going through my postpartum training in August.
3 comments:
I commend you Taylor, being a doula is not an easy calling, and it does truly take someone who can set themselves aside and consider the needs of mother and baby. I'm sure with your sparkling humor, and genuine love for those around you, you will do very well. I on the other hand would fail miserably, and also could never hire a doula because it would be one more potential witness to my most embarrassing self failings. However, I really could have used the light tidying and meal prep!
Taylor, I am so proud of you!!
Awesome Taylor! You are going to be an amazing Dula! I had a wonderful natural childbirth and wish everyone could have the same experience I had. So many people in Northern California get dulas - if you ever need work, head north. : )
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Holler.