The Role of a Doula

What is a Doula, you ask?  Webster dictionary states that it is “a woman experienced in childbirth who provides advice, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to a mother before, during, and just after childbirth.”  Wikipedia describes a “doula, also known as a birth companion or post-birth supporter,[1] is a nonmedical person who assists a person before, during, or after childbirth as well as her spouse and family, by providing physical assistance and emotional support. [2] “

You may notice the definitions are quite vague, so I want to explore a little further and define my role as a Prenatal, Labor, Birth, Perinatal, and Postpartum Doula.  I mention all these specific stages, since each stage looks different, and each stage may require different support.  My role as a doula is to provide support through all the stages of this life-changing journey. 

I am Present:  I am here and present for everyone:  the birthing person, the partner, the spouse, the grandparents to be, the friend, the sibling or siblings, the pet.   I am here for anyone who needs my support.

I am Compassionate:  I am welcoming to all without any judgment.  My personal beliefs will not surface.  I welcome everybody with open arms, because everybody needs some form of support.

I am a Listener:  I am “all ears”, listening to your fears and concerns that may arise during the entire process.  I will listen and I will validate those feelings, because I am not here to judge you for those feelings.  Those feelings are real, they are there, and they are normal.  I am here to listen to your needs so I can support you through your journey in the best of my ability with the knowledge I have.   I listen, because sometimes all someone needs is to be heard.

I am an Observer:  I am constantly observing my surrounding, watching what is going on in the room be it during the birthing process or after, when baby is home.   I carefully observe, so I can learn my environment, so I can see how people interact with each other, and so I know how to approach any situation.

I am Adaptable:  I may adjust my support, since circumstances can change in any given moment, and I may need to approach the given situation differently.  I adjust and I acclimate, since this life changing process can be so unpredictable and so variable!

I am a “Quiet Voice”:  I inform with the knowledge and resources I’ve acquired through my practice and through the resources that I’ve found that may be useful at the time.  I may ask you questions, which may lead you to voice your thoughts, questions, or concerns.  I will never ask questions on your behalf without getting your permission.

I am Patient:  I am here from the beginning, through your journey into labor, and into your new beginning of parenthood!  Labor cannot be scheduled on one specific timeline, since it can look different in each individual.  This is an intimate special journey that I am fortunate to be part of and I am here to encourage you to be patient as well.

I am an Advocate:  I am a gentle voice; to advocate your needs, to remind you that you have a voice and a choice, and to make sure your needs are met.  I will be by your side, making sure you don’t feel taken advantage of.

I am Mindful:  I am here, supporting you in the moment.  I am mindful of what to say and not to say, of whom I am working with, and of knowing my space and boundaries as a doula.

As a Doula, the most important role to me is influencing.   With my support, and my method, I want to influence people around me to make changes for their self:  to be more compassionate towards others, to be more present in the moment, and to be more mindful of each other.

I especially believe in mental preparedness.  As a birth doula, I truly want to influence the birthing person during their pregnancy and to prepare them mentally through the challenges and concerns they may face.  By completely releasing themselves, being open to possible changes and outcomes, and truly surrendering and trusting their body, I believe one can experience the birth in the moment, without hesitation.