Bringing back "what I doula" with a twist and new images.
To answer what I can do-ula for you, I need to first explain what a doula is.
The word “Doula” comes from the ancient Greek word Doulos. Doulos means servant but many will say “one who serves” which also works.
It is now used to refer to a trained experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after birth. Doulas also provide emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
What can I do-ula for you?
Studies have shown that when doulas attend a birth; labor experiences are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier, and they breastfeed more easily in comparison to their non-doula attended counterparts.
The research shows having a doula at your birth can make a real difference in the outcome. The risk of an emergency cesarean is reduced, as well as the chances of other interventions happening like an episiotomy and assisted delivery. Having a positive birth experience also has an affect on how a mother interacts with her baby and partner. Read more here
Do Doulas take over the birth partners role?
This is a question that I get asked often during my free consultations. There is no way I would try to do-ula that! When I doula for you that means, I am there as a supportive role for both the mother and her partner. My goal is to transfer all my knowledge to your partner. This way they are just as involved in the birth to the extent he/she feels comfortable. Besides at the end of the day its your baby and your birth. I’m there to help out!
What effects does the presence of a doula have on babies?
I read a study by Cochrane in 2017 that showed babies born with doulas present tend to have shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries and breastfeed more easily. Read this study for more information
Do doulas replace nursing staff?
Absolutely not, my job is to work with your care providers. I’m there to comfort and support my clients and occasionally help with communication between expecting parents and medical professionals.
Can a doula make decisions on my behalf?
No, I can’t do-ula that for you. My doula scope of practice doesn’t allow me to make any decisions for my clients or intervene in their clinical care. What I can do-ula for you is, help you make an informed decision on care. I’m a big believer in informed consent, during our prenatals I will do-ula my best to prepare you with information so that you can speak for yourself comfortably and confidently.
Those are the most common questions I could think of, I hope I answered them well. Feel free to comment with more below!
Special thanks to Kalu Jane from Serene Birth Photography for capturing these amazing images of me doulaing.