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.