AlaskaBirth

Posts Tagged ‘Maternity Care’

What is a doula?

The name doula ( pronounced doo-lah ) is derived from a Greek word. Translated it means woman servant – an experienced woman who serves the mom, her partner and family members through childbirth and the early postpartum period.

A doula’s role is one of support to the woman who is preparing herself and her family for the birth of the baby. Doula’s provide educational, emotional and physical support during pregnancy and childbirth. Doulas also assist the new family with tending to the newborn’s needs during the transition period. Doulas do not replace the woman’s partner, but rather support both the woman and her partner. The doula is not a medical care provider, so neither does she performs clinical procedures, replace medical care providers nor speak for them. She assists them in gathering information and evidence for informed choices.

During early family life, postpartum doulas provide breastfeeding support, assistance with newborn care, sibling and family care.

A doula…

• Recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life…
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor…
• Assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth…
• Stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor…
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions…
• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical careproviders…
• Perceives her role as one who nutures and protects the woman’s memory of her birth experience.

The acceptance of doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with the recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical outcomes and emotional well-being of mothers and infants.