The Greek word doula means “woman caregiver”. Nowadays we use that word to describe a trained and experienced labour companion who provides the woman and her partner continuous emotional, physical and informational support before, during and just after giving birth.
A birth doula recognizes birth as a life experience that the mother will remember all her life.
A birth doula assist the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth.
A birth doula perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman’s memory of such wonderful and intense experience, a doula understands the physiology of birth, offering the information you will need from an objective standpoint and providing the emotional support that a woman in labour needs. She will stay by your side throughout the entire labour, facilitating communication between you, your partner and the clinical care providers.
Even if you already have a birth support person, your partner, a family member or friend, a doula can enhance your birth experience by giving guidance and assistance, so that he or she knows how to best help you.
The presence of a doula will also give them the chance to take breaks when they need to, giving them the peace of mind to know that you are being cared for.
Remember that doulas are trained in all aspects of birth and will be there to help you in ways that cannot be replicated by people who do not have this specialized training and experience.
Sometimes it is difficult for your loved one to remain calm, focused and nurturing while the person they love the most is facing one of the biggest challenges she will ever face. I believe it is important for your partner to fully participate in the birth of his/her child, and having a birth doula can provide that.
There is a common concern that partners will feel invalidated if you hire a doula, but the reality is that partners often feel very empowered and confident when doulas are there to show them practical ways to help their loved one.
It is important for me as a doula that when women look back at their birth experience, to remember their partners being this intuitive amazing person who was there when she needed it the most.
Together we can become the perfect team to make out of your birth the most positive experience possible.