What is a Doula?
A birth doula a person who is trained and specializes in providing educational, emotional, and physical support during the prenatal, labor, and immediate postpartum periods.
A doula will arrive when you request support during your labor, joining you at home or the hospital and will remain with you continuously until your baby is born.
A birth doula is not there to replace your birth partner. The doula is there is support both of you in ways that make you both most comfortable. The doula will meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go together. Your birth partner has an intimate knowledge of you while your doula has an intimate knowledge of birth. Combined your doula and birth partner join together to provide individualized support you.
Your doula is there to work for you not your caregiver or hospital.
What a Doula is not...
Medical care - Your doula does not perform clinical tasks. They do not replace your prenatal care provider. They will not take your blood pressure, do fetal heart checks, vaginal exam or any other medical tasks.
Your doula will not make decisions for you. They can assist you in getting information so you can make an informed decision regarding your care.
Your doula will not speak for you regarding decisions you have made. Your doula can discuss concerns you have and suggest options, but you and your birth partner need to communicate your desires to the clinical staff.