What is a doula?
from DONA International
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
A Birth Doula
* Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
* Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
* Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
* Stays with the woman throughout the labor
* Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision
* Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
* Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
* Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level
Pregnancy, birth, and new parenthood is a life-changing journey. By supporting you in pregnancy, mentoring you with Birthing from Within® prenatal classes, and caring for you through birth and postpartum as your doula, Ellie Colver will nurture you through the entire adventure. Our relationship will help you to prepare thoroughly for birth and parenting, draw from your own experiences and increase your confidence as a mother or father.
