Doulas
A Birthing Companion

A doula is an additional member of the labor and birth team as well as a helper to the new mother and family. Although doulas do not require any special training to call themselves a doula, many have found it helpful in knowing more about how to help a woman by taking training and choosing certification with one of the many international organizations such as Childbirth and Postpartum Professionals Association (CAPPA) or DONA (Formerly Doulas of North America) or Association of Labor and Childbirth Educators (ALACE). The training usually consists of required reading, a workshop of several days, essays or tests, and evaluations by professionals.

Besides certification there are other differences in doulas. All doulas do not offer the same services. It is important to ask what services are covered by the fee that is charged. Some offer prenatal meetings to review your birth ideals and options. Some offer unlimited labor support no matter the length of labor, while others charge extra for longer labors. Many have a back up doula in case of the unexpected events that could occur. Most offer continuity of care and come to you when you need them. Some come to your home and then attend you where you plan to birth while others only meet you at the hospital. Some base their fees on experience and others are based on what the market will bear. Some offer a sliding scale or payment plan if it is needed. Some offer their services both for labor and birth as well as the postpartum period.

The most important thing in hiring a doula may not be experience or certification but rather who you feel like you can be most vulnerable with in your labor and birth. Her heart and hands and how you feel when you are with her is paramount. It is this relationship that will help you the most in your labor and birth. Does she listen? Do you find her words and wisdom comforting? Is she relatable? It is not how much she knows that is important but knowing how much she cares. Does she help you find your intuitive voice and your power within?

If you want to have a more memorable and gentle birth experience, consider hiring a doula! It may well be worth more than you would even expect.

Who is a Doula?

• A companion who knows the road you are about to travel in pregnancy, labor, birth and in the journey of bringing home the new baby to your family.
• A friend who is there to provide continuity of care- by your side throughout labor, no matter how long.
• A “birth guru” of sorts who knows what your options are for pain management and relaxation methods, well versed in these ideas.
• A support person who is there to help you have the birth of your choice without any hidden agendas on how your birth should be.
• A reminder of the goals you originally set out to achieve and help you in determining if your path needs to veer off of that and do the next best thing.
• A guide for when you venture off your path and need to be redirected.
• A massager, encourager and whisperer of the gentle things you want to hear in the midst of the storm.
• A photographer and storyteller of the journey.
• A woman who helps you with learning how to be a new mother or parent.
• A guide in nursing and caring for a newborn in the transitional path of parenthood.

What does a Doula NOT do?

• She does not do any clinical treatment- no exams, no heart tones, nothing that is in the medical realm.
• She is not a midwife or doctor or nurse when she is acting in the role of doula.
• She does not give you medical advice but may remind you of your original goals.
• She does not decide what type of treatment you need but may help you in determining what questions you need answered before you make an informed decision.
• She does not speak for you; she instead encourages you to speak for yourself.
• She does not take the place of a partner who wants to remain involved in the process of labor and birth.
• She does not run interference between you and the medical staff. But she does help you in ways to ask questions prior to your birth to get the information you need.
• In the postpartum period she is not a housekeeper but will tidy up and do some light chores as well as prepare meals.

Editorial provided by Teresa Howard, CLD, CLE, CPD, CCCE (CAPPA), CD (DONA), CHBE President of Labor of Love Doula and Childbirth Services, Inc.