WHAT IS A DOULA?
The word doula comes from the Greek term meaning woman servant and is often used to describe a person who serves families in labour. By definition, a doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and knowledge based support to a birthing person (and their partner) before, during and shortly after childbirth to help achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.
Why have a doula on your birth support team? Throughout history, women have always supported each other during labour and childbirth. While your caregiver also looks after clinical tasks, I have no medical or charting responsibilities as a doula. I am therefore able to dedicate all of my efforts to supporting you and your partner. As a professional birth doula, I will draw upon my knowledge and experience to help guide you through labour and birth. I can provide reassurance and perspective and assist with relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for comfort. As an added member of your team, my role is to be the constant presence and help facilitate a positive, informed, and empowering birth experience.