What is a 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.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
A 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
- Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision
- 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 -DONA International
The Essential Ingredient: Doula
A Presentation by DONA International
What exactly does a doula do?
Doulas offer an array of services. On a physical level, they can suggest different positions for pain relief, massage, comforting touch, and acupressure. On an emotional level they can give reassurance, address any of your concerns, and coach your partner in coaching you if necessary. Doulas also work as your advocate. They are the voice during your labor ensuring that your caregiver is following your birth plan. Some doulas also have their own specialized service(s) that they offer in addition to attending your birth. Some of these services include: placenta encapsulation, meal preparation, photography, acupressure, massage, aromatherapy, hypnobirth coaching, etc. This article gives a good explanation as to what a doula does, as well as what a doula does not do
------>(What Doulas Do).
I am planning on having an epidural for labor. Can a doula still help me?
Yes. Absolutely. Here is a great article that debunks the myth that doulas are only for women who want an all natural, drug free birth -----> Doulas are for Women who Want Epidurals
How do I hire a doula?
There are many ways you can go about hiring a doula. Get Babied! Doula Collective here in
Austin holds a once a month Meet the Doulas Night where you and your partner can go on a
speed dating-like round about with all the doulas. It's a great way to get familiar with all the
women and see which doula fits your needs best. This happens on the last Saturday of every
month at 7pm. Click here for more information. DONA has a doula database as well as a
great resource page for you to refer to when hiring a doula. Getting referrals from other
women who have had a doula, and browsing the internet for doulas in your area are great
ways to find a doula as well. And of course, you can always set up a free consultation with me!
"I'd really like to hire a doula, but I can't afford it."
Having a doula is not only for people with higher incomes. Every woman deserves to have a doula by her side. There are many doulas in training, like myself, who offer their services for little or no fee. Also, the Get Babied! Doula Collective offers their services at a small price compared to most doulas. If there is a doula collective where you live, check their prices, as they are typically less than the average value. And my advice above all else is try bartering. As a doula, I would love bartering my services. Do you have a garden, do massage, energy work, make jewelry, clothes, essential oils, cook, etc etc?? It is definitely worth asking a doula to barter her services with whatever you have to offer.
