SO, WHAT IS A DOULA (DOO-luh)?
In simple terms, a doula is a woman caregiver. Specifically, a non-medical professional childbirth assistant or professional birth coach. A doula offers non-judgmental physical, emotional, and educational support during pregnancy and birth for women choosing parenting or adoption.
Doulas work WITH dads or partners, not separate from or in place of them! Doulas should support the partner also so that they can offer their best to the mother.
Doulas inform and offer education to moms and partners so they can speak for themselves and be confident in their birth experience. The doula will support mom’s birth plan, even if it changes at the last minute. Doulas support women who choose completely natural births, fully medicated births, cesarean births, or whatever type of birth mom would like.
Doulas are non-medical. This means that we do not take blood pressures, do vaginal exams, prescribe medication, etc. We strive to work with your healthcare provider while providing evidence based information. Doulas should also never encourage you to mislead your care provider. We are a team to help you have the best experience when it comes time to meet your baby face to face.
I hope this has offered you a peek into what a doula is, what one does, and what questions you might like to ask me!
Hope to hear from you soon!
Andrea Burney, Professional Birth (Coach) Doula
Let me help you begin the story of your Little Legacy!
Birthing Legacies serves the Rockford, IL and the surrounding area.
You can also check out more from Birthing Legacies at https://www.facebook.com/birthinglegacies
