Types of Doulas

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.

A birth Doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials CD(DONA).

Birth Doula:
  • Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life.
  • Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor.
  • Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth.
  • Stays with the woman throughout the labor in the hospital, birth center or home.
  • Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions.
  • Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers.
  • Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman’s memory of the birth experience.
  • Allows the woman’s partner to participate at his/her comfort level.
Postpartum Doulas: Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum Doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.​

Being a new parent, your postpartum Doula can help.​ Many new parents have had little or no parenting education and do not have support to help them through the postpartum weeks.

A postpartum Doula certified by DONA International is designated by the initials PCD(DONA). ​For more information, please follow the link below for information regarding postpartum Doulas. ​​​​Learn More​​​​

  • Offer education, companionship and nonjudgmental support during the postpartum fourth trimester​.​​
  • Assist with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light chores in your home​.
  • Offer evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and makes appropriate referrals when necessary​.

 

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