Doula (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver". It now refers to an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth. Throughout history mothers and families have benefited from the doula's presence, both at the time of birth and following birth. Both birth and postnatal doulas offer compassionate, non-medical care to assist families in their new-life transition.
Birth doulas are birth assistants who offer emotional and physical support to labouring families. We take time and care to meet with couples or mothers prenatally to discuss birthing desires and fears. Our knowledge and experience bring assurance as we share balanced information to enable parents to make informed choices.
A Doula offers non-medical measures of support to give the mother comfort and strength to be able to cope better with her labour. Changing labouring positions regularly and often is vital to progress; our experience is invaluable here. In addition to the expertise of the medical staff, we bring our knowledge, experience; massage techniques and specialized, non-medical skills that can greatly enhance your labour and delivery.
A doula's support is the only continuous in-room help available in any setting. Your doula is the only member of the birth team who is free to focus entirely on the mother's need to cope and the father's need to be of real supportive value. In addition, you can expect us to help apply and expand what you learned in your childbirth education classes. Together we strive for the best possible outcome for the kind of birth experience you envision.
Postnatal doulas provide daily, in-home care to mothers with newborns. Their assistance is entirely non-medical and covers three main areas: practical, educational and emotional support.
Practical assistance includes most of the household tasks the new mother would normally do on a daily basis. For example, loading the dishwasher, doing laundry and bringing nutritious snacks to Mum are all part of the doula's practical support. In homes with older siblings, the doula helps to maintain the children's regular daily routines. She may also transport children to activities and run other errands.
Educational support for first-time mothers, as well as mothers of multiples, includes plenty of hands-on assistance and guidance with infant care. With experienced mothers, the doula can share the latest literature on infant development and information for any new areas of interest or concern the new baby inspires. Of course, the doula's broad range of experience is a valuable resource for any mother.
Emotional support is one of the most important, and least recognized, needs of postnatal mothers. The doula can offer a sympathetic ear as the mother processes her birth experience and expresses her concerns for the futures. A well-informed, objective viewpoint is helpful as a mother makes decisions on important parenting issues such as feeding methods. The doula's role is to offer non-judgmental guidance and encouragement in all facets of parenting.
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