What is a Doula?
Doula is originally a Greek word meaning “Woman who serves” or literally “female slave” basically a doula will support you during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum period however you need. A doula’s support is one of the only guaranteed things about a birth, and when there is so many unknowns, it is good to focus on the things you can control and what is guaranteed. A doula supports the birther and, if there is one, the birther’s partner in emotional, physical and informational support. Whether you or your partner need a drink, snack or someone to encourage both of you or just hold you hand, a doula will do all these things, as well as teach you to advocate for yourselves and your choices in situations that might not be ideal.
What Emotional Support does a doula offer?
A doula can support you emotionally by being there for you when you need to talk about anything that might scare you, and can help validate feelings that others may not understand. After 37 weeks your doula will be on call 24/7, and you can text or call her whenever you need.
I don’t want to have a home birth, and would prefer to go to the hospital, can I still hire a doula?
Of course! A doula comes to where ever you are comfortable birthing. Whether that is at home, at a birth center, or a hospital. Just remember that usually hospital policy is that you can only have two support people in the birthing room at a time, so plan accordingly.
Who does a doula work with?
A doula can work with any health care provider. Family doctor, OBGYN or Midwife. They also work with your partner (if you have one) to help support you in the best way possible.
Can I have a doula instead of an OBGYN or Midwife?
Doulas are not medical professionals.
The following tasks are not performed by doulas:
– Clinical tasks such as vaginal exams or fetal heart monitoring, palpitating uterus etc.
– They do not give medical advice or diagnose conditions
– They do not make decisions for the client
(medical or otherwise)
– They do not pressure the birther into certain choices based on the doula’s preference
– They do not take over the role of the partner
– They do not catch the baby
– They do not change shifts
Beyond Measure Doula Services 