Doula

Doula birth companion

What is a Doula?

A doula is a woman with experience and knowledge of childbirth, who helps pregnant women to bring their babies into the world in the way they wish.  A doula offers information, emotional and physical support, and advocacy through the process of pregnancy, birth, and post-partum.

Who needs a Doula?

For millennia, women have been supported through pregnancy and birth by other women.  The ideal setting for a safe, comfortable childbirth is one in which the birthing mother feels completely supported and secure.  Although a partner’s support and assistance can be invaluable during this process, a doula can also strengthen and protect the environment in which the couple journey through the birth process together.  The doula is a woman with experience and knowledge of birth, and thus the ability to stay calm in the face of birth’s inevitable surprises.  The doula’s knowledge and experience of the specific challenges of birth frees the mother’s partner to provide her with emotional support without bearing responsibility for understanding the intricacies of the birth process.