Doula Guidance

The origins of the  word "doula" come from  ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and it's now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides ongoing physical, emotional and informational support to  mothers and families before, during and  after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

Studies show  that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.

A Birth Doula

• Views birth as a profound experience the mother will remember all her life
• Understands not only the physiology of birth but also the emotional needs of a woman in labor
• Guides the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
• Supports the woman throughout the labor
• Gives emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective point of view, as well as helps the mother  get the information she needs to make informed decisions
• Facilitates effective  communication between the laboring mother, her partner and her  care providers
• Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience