| A doula is a woman who attends the birthing family
before, during and just after the birth of the baby. She provides
emotional support from home to hospital, making that transition smoother,
as well as providing consistency at the hospital through changing
shifts and caregivers. A doula acts as a source of information, comforter
for both the mother and the father, and a labor coach. She will help
the birthing mother relax, use a variety of positions and additional
non-medical comfort measures. She will support the partner in being
the primary source of support and encouragement. She will protect
the environment of the birthing couple, helping to create an environment
that promotes intimacy and a beautiful birth experience.
Becoming a parent is the most life changing and empowering journey
of your life. Traditionally, women were surrounded by other women,
loved and encouraged by others who had made the same journey. Then
our culture became full of medical technology, both helping save
lives and removing the emotional and spiritual aspects of birthing.
While it is a blessing that fathers are now welcomed to be full
participants in the birth of a child, it is unfortunate that the
strength and knowledge of experienced and compassionate women are
not included as supportive resources for the family. Choosing to
invite a doula to participate in your birth is a step toward reclaiming
the transforming spiritual power of that miraculous time, as well
as allowing your partner to be supported in becoming a father. Each
woman is entitled to a beautiful experience to remember, no matter
what medical assistance she feels is best for her.
...Don't you deserve a doula? |
