So What Is A Doula?
"Doula" is the Greek word for woman servant, or handmaiden, in religious areas of Greek culture "doula" means "handmaiden of God"
- A doula is a woman trained in professional labor support. It is similar to the idea of the home midwife, in that she stays with the mother and father the entire length of the labor. Which can start at home, then go on to the hospital. She provides comfort to the support team helping them understand the labor, and offers them ways to help the mother.
- The big difference between a midwife and a doula is that a doula does not have any medical responsibilty or authority to do things such as; vaginal examinations, monitoring, or any other medical procedure. She is there solely for the purpose of serving and guiding you through your labor and birth. She has no other responsibility than to help you with your labor.
- A doula has attended different births, she learns something from each birth. She understands and recognizes the variety of ways women labor and the different things they are comforted by. She knows the signs a woman gives during different times in her labor, what they mean, and what to do.
- Basically a doula is a labor professional and the ultimate in pampering the woman in labor. From massaging, to positioning, breathing, body sponging, fanning, etc. You are the queen in labor, and the doula is your handmaiden, a very educated handmaiden.
- Most importantly a doula is a woman who sees birth as an important time in your life and wants to help your experience be a good one for you. She understands the things you are feeling emotionally and physically. She will share your mood, or help you rise above despair, she will come along side you with a compassionate heart, and serve you with loving hands, to Labor With Love.
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