According to Ancient Greek- Female Slave
According to the dictionary- A woman who is trained to assist another woman during childbirth and who may provide support to the family after the baby is born.
Ok. Now that we have that out of the way, we can get to what a doula really is.
A doula is a trained professional, man or woman. Being a doula is not a hobby nor is it a philosophy, it’s a career. (and a very fulfilling one) To better serve families, they devote time, money, and energy into professional training and regularly continuing their education through additional trainings and workshops. From the moment you contract with them they become your person. That best friend you can have coffee with and confide in, judgment free. Someone who’s only interest is your birth and parenting philosophy.
A doula supports all families equally, regardless of your choices. They attend all births, from home to hospital and from completely unmedicated to a planned cesarean. Breast or bottle, cloth diapers or disposables. Doulas support it all. So if you’re thinking whether or not a doula is for your lifestyle choices, they are.
Doulas specialize in support. We all know that each person is different so, naturally, no two families will receive the same nature of care. Doulas are trained to attune to each family’s needs and customize the support they provide. Typically it will consist of the three main forms of support; physical, emotional, and informational. From double hip squeezes to evidence based information and everything in between, they have your back. With each family, the only thing that will remain consistent is your doula’s unbiased support.
You can invest in a doula at any time during your journey and for as long as you need one. Again, everyone is different. Whether it be from that first positive pregnancy test or within days of your estimated due date, it’s not too late. A doula does not just cut ties once baby has been born either because a parent’s need for support does not end there. They will not release you from their care until you are confident in doing so. Maybe that’s immediately after your initial postpartum visit or maybe you need more support than you originally thought. Either way, there is a doula for you.
A doula is not a medical professional or your advocate. Therefore we do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe anything and we do not speak for you.
If you have any questions, need a doula, or are interested in becoming a doula, Doulas of Broome County is always happy to help. .
Email: info@doulasofbroomecounty.com
Phone: (607) 242-5373