Categories

Women helping other women give birth is an ancient practice.  In the distant past the laboring woman would have been attended to by many women from her village that had been trained in herbalism, hypnosis, and midwifery.  These women would as performed as sort of priestess, each there to help her through the transition to motherhood.  The process of giving birth would have been seen as a magical act and the woman treated with reverence.

The days of this ritual are long past.  The birthing process is a much more clinical affair.  Many women feel like they are being treated for a disease and not going through a natural process.  In the United States rates of unnecessary cesarean sections continues to rise at alarming rates.  Women are not encouraged to trust their own bodies during the birthing process, but instead they are told to listen to machines and strangers on what is best for their bodies and their babies.

Luckily, there are alternatives for women who want something different when giving birth.  One such option is working with a Doula.  The word Doula is actually a Greek word that means “a woman who serves” and this is exactly what a Doula does; she serves the new or laboring mother in whatever way the mother needs. 

A Doula works as a physical, emotional, and spiritual support person during labor and the post-partum process.  Studies have shown that women who have this form of support have easier births, fewer complications, and fewer cases of post-partum depression.  Women in labor are in a very vulnerable place, especially women who are first time mothers.  They need to know that their individual needs are being taken care of and often medical staff do not have the time to offer that support. 

One of the most important pieces of working with a Doula is writing out the birth plan.  Doctors and mid-wives all recommend having a birth plan months before your due date, but this can be a daunting task for a new family.  There are so many options and possibilities that it is hard to know what needs to be part of the plan.  Since a Doula has experience with several births and is familiar with all the things that need to be planned for, she can help the family come up with a specific plan that will honor their desires, while planning for any emergencies that could happen.

Throughout pregnancy an expecting mother and her Doula will meet often.  Over the months they will develop a connection so the mother knows that she can trust her Doula.  The Doula will learn about the mother’s fears and concerns regarding labor and post-partum so that the mother can rely on the Doula completely.  During labor the Doula will help to keep the mother in the most comfortable space possible.  She will help with positioning or techniques to deal with pain.  A Doula can also help after delivery.  She can help with nursing or infant care.  Many Doulas make house calls to help take care of the new infant allowing the parents much needed rest.

Truly Doulas hold a sacred place in the birthing process.  As more women and families turn to natural birthing choices, Doulas will be there to offer support and guidance.

For more information on finding a Doula or specific Doula services check with DONA, http://www.dona.org/