The Today Show aired a segment today called "Expecting Parents: What is a doula?" and I was so surprised that people still don't know what a doula is.
A doula is a person that offers support for mom and dad during birth and the postpartum period. They are present for labor and birth and some will support a family when adjusting to life with a new baby. They are there for physical and emotional support. DONA describes a doula as "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.
Also, according to DONA, "Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeeding more easily."
The greatest benefit to mom is the ongoing support that she will receive even during a hospital birth. Usually people associate Doulas with homebirths but this isn't so. With chronic nursing shortages, moms just don't get the support that they might like during a stressful, often unknown, physically challenging time. Doulas can help women have the birth experience they want and can work with your obstetrician and nurse to support your choices. Doulas aren't doctors and may have little, if any, medical training -- their role is to assist in labor and delivery to comfort and encourage mom.
If you are interested in hiring a doula, learn more at www.dona.org
If you are a doula, we offer our FREE Certified Trainer Partnership Program designed specifically for certified trainers to help their clients and their business. If you're doula, midwife, prenatal instructor etc. consider becoming a partner to receive all the benefits including; discounts, business listing (with all credentials, contact info and summary of services you provide), and a starter kit. View our brochure for more information or register for free. We want to help moms have the best birth experience possible.