The Role of a Doula
Photo by Adrienne Diaz
What is a doula?
A doula is a trained caregiver that offers physical, emotional and educational support to birthing people and their families during pregnancy, the childbirth experience and postpartum.
The Role of a Doula
During the prenatal stage, doulas help birthing people better understand and prep for the childbirth process, and help families understand their birthing rights.
During labor, doulas create and maintain an oxytocic, or peaceful, environment. A doula may create this kind of environment by being the liaison in a medical setting, helping to facilitate conversations and by providing support such as physical comfort, guided breathwork, emotional support, grounding energy, essential oils, space, and time.
During postpartum, the role of the doula is flexible and determined by the needs of the family at that particular time. A doula may prepare nourishing snacks and meals, help to set up a meal train, assist with breastfeeding and/or bottle feeding, teach evidence-based parenting techniques, provide light housekeeping tasks, listen to parents as they express triumphs and challenges, and empower families to discover their own abilities.
Doulas actively participate in local reproductive policies.
Doulas empower people to use their voices.
Doula work is an evolution.
Birth is incredible. Birthwork is incredible. Doulas are incredible!
To learn more about our birthwork services, click the link below:
