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.

There are 3 specific rolls a doula can provide: birth, postpartum and antepartum. The roll of the birth doula is to provide support during labor and delivery; the roll of the postpartum doula is to provide support in the home for a short period of time after the baby is born; the roll of the antepartum doula is to provide support during a high risk pregnancy when a women is on bed rest or has severe morning sickness.

All doulas need to work with a partner or backup doula in the event something prevents her from being at a birth or other hired services. I am proud to be a part of several Doula Collectives in the area that provide me with an abundance of wonderful back up doulas.