Considering a Doula?

on June 1, 2009 at 7:00 AM

Photo by JSVDP

According to Doulas of North America, the word doula is Greek for "a woman who serves" and is now referred to as "a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the post-partum period."

I have a couple of friends who are doulas, and though they haven't been a doula for me (yet), one was my sister's doula. My sister, Jen, and her husband, Phil, continue to sing her praises, and share how much she really did help them feel empowered, informed, and reduced a lot of the stress they were feeling. Phil felt that having a doula was especially helpful for him.

When my mom first learned that Jen and Phil were consulting with a doula, she had no idea what that meant. Doula? Foreign word to her. And she couldn't quite wrap her head around it even when we were all at the hospital when Jen was giving birth.

London, my sister's doula, came recommended by a friend of mine. And London was amazing -- someone I bonded with and plan on working with for my babies' births.

Are you considering a doula?

About the author Michele Zipp

loves vintage and will defend skinny jeans to the death though she is highly superstitious and "death" is probably a bad word choice. She has a touch of the hoarding disease and enjoys sleuthing, the worst reality shows, and wearing high heels, even at the playground. She's an AP mom of twins, slightly crunchy but with a pedicure.

Filed Under: fathers, labor, the pregnant life

Comments (9)

JenAndCian

on Jun 1, 2009 at 9:36 AM

The hospital where I delivered has their own Doula program. It was the most amazing experience and I would definately choose to work with a Doula again. My DH and I found our Doula Vanessa to be a perfect addition to our birthing team. My delivery was difficult and ended as a Ceasarean. The great thing was DH went with baby Cian and Vanessa stayed with me. I suggest everyone look into it. Doulas are a great source of info and can help explain things after the doctor catches you in the middle of a contraction.

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croffordsbabys2

on Jun 1, 2009 at 10:12 AM

Well, I always thought a Doula was the equivalent of a midwife. This info here cleared that for me. I actually had a midwife for the deliveries of my two children. Well, I actually delivered my second one via c-section, but labored with a midwife. I think it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I got to have my first baby at home, born where myself, hubby, and child would feel the most comfortable. I was surrounded only by people I knew well and trusted, and I knew they only had our best interest at heart. IMO, I think everyone expecting a child, should consider all their options, and not just think that they have to "settle" with whatever is considered the "norm" for the times.

RanaAurora

on Jun 1, 2009 at 12:25 PM

If I had the money, I would have a doula. I don't have either, unfortunately.

KnoxvilleDoula

on Jun 1, 2009 at 4:41 PM

Rana, I would be your doula!!!

IMO, I think everyone expecting a child, should consider all their options, and not just think that they have to "settle" with whatever is considered the "norm" for the times.

So well put!

MamaBuma

on Jun 9, 2009 at 2:00 PM

I really like the idea of a doula as well. Just seems a bit out of range for some people financially. Does anyone know of any doula training programs that offer reduced fees? Seems like that would be great for people who don't have the $500 or so to pay someone.

haileybeth

on Jul 1, 2009 at 8:55 PM

most doulas work on a sliding scale fee, or will take trade services for there work, If you need a doula visit the doula group on here! or check out the DONA doula website! A doula is a great tool and a postpartum doula is a very important person to have on your first days home!

Nonmember comment from doula

on Jun 28, 2010 at 1:39 PM

I had a few friend who had decided to hire a doula for their birth. I am still debating between about getting one when I am trying to conceived next years. How much do they range?

Leslie