| PROFESSIONAL PRE- AND POST-BIRTH ASSISTANTS OF CHARLOTTE, NC & SURROUNDING AREAS |
| CHARLOTTE, NC * HUNTERSVILLE, NC * CONCORD, NC * GASTONIA, NC * SHELBY, NC * HICKORY, NC * STATESVILLE, NC * ROCK HILL, SC * FT. MILL, SC |
| Charlotte Doulas |
"A what?" That is the most common response I get when I tell people I am a doula. Doula means
"woman servant," or "female attendant," depending on your comfort level. Although the word
doula is new to many ears, the role of a doula is as old as birth itself. For thousands of years,
laboring women have needed and benefited from having a female companion with kind hands
and gentle words to aid them on their journey to motherhood. Times have changed drastically
since the days of birthing on a straw bed, but the role of a doula is just as needed.
First, let's talk about what exactly a doula does. There are two types of doulas, birth and
postpartum. Here I will only talk about birth doulas (stay tuned for future installments!). A birth
doula provides continuous emotional and physical support for a laboring woman. For a woman
without a partner, having a doula almost seems essential, but where does a doula fit in with a
couple? Many husbands may initially feel threatened by her and feel that she may try and steal
his role. I have always found the opposite to be true. A doula not only creates a wonderful
environment for mom, but helps dad to be the best coach he can be, only enhancing his role.
A doula is a non-licensed, non-medical role. Doulas are not certified to practice medicine.
Because of this, anyone can call herself a doula. So it is up to the parents to interview and make
sure that the doula they choose has adequate knowledge and experience. Many wonderful
organizations exist to help with this. A doula can become a certified doula (CD) through such
groups as Doulas of North America (DONA), Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth
Educators (ALACE), or Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA), as well as
other organizations. All of these groups have websites listing the requirements for being certified
through them as well as how to find one of their doulas in your area.
There have been more than ten studies done recognizing the positive effects of having a birth
attended by a doula. Here are some of the effects on labor: shorter labors, fewer complications,
reduced cesareans, less need for oxytocin to speed labor, need for forceps reduced, and moms
request less pain medication and epidurals. There are also positive effects for mom: greater
satisfaction with birth experience, more positive assessment of their babies, and less postpartum
depression. Even the baby benefits, with shorter hospital stays and fewer admissions to the
NICU; they breastfeed more easily; and mothers are more affectionate to their babies
postpartum. Wow, all of that just from having a doula at your birth!
So why doesn't everyone have one? Well for one, not many people know about doulas. Also,
for those who do know, there may be some misconceptions. Many people think that a doula is
just for homebirth or an unmedicated birth. Although most doulas are trained in unmedicated
childbirth, they are there to support the mom and dad in whatever their wishes are for their birth
in a supportive, informative, non-judgmental way.
You simply have to find the right doula for you. Contact at least three doulas. There are lists of
basic questions to ask a doula on all of the aforementioned groups' websites. Most doulas in the
Charlotte area currently charge between $350-$650, depending on their demand and
experience. For this they will provide 2-3 prenatal visits, attending your labor and birth at your
home or the hospital (or both) and then 1-2 postpartum visits. You can look on
www.charlottedoulas.org for a great listing of local doulas.
Being a doula is a calling and a passion. There is not the fame, glory or money associated with
so many other jobs in the birth arena. But for most of us, we just can't not attend births. I am
definitely supportive of unmedicated birth, but I am in more support of informed birth. It breaks
my heart when a woman contacts me postpartum and she looks back on her birth experience
and says, "What just happened?" We all have to give up the "control" of our birth, because
there is no such thing. What we do not have to give up is our power.
I was with a woman recently who had a traumatic first birth experience and then proceeded to
have a beautiful second birth. Ten minutes after the baby was born, I was telling her how proud I
was of her and she tearfully said, "You don't understand. This has changed my life!" That is
why I do what I do!
"woman servant," or "female attendant," depending on your comfort level. Although the word
doula is new to many ears, the role of a doula is as old as birth itself. For thousands of years,
laboring women have needed and benefited from having a female companion with kind hands
and gentle words to aid them on their journey to motherhood. Times have changed drastically
since the days of birthing on a straw bed, but the role of a doula is just as needed.
First, let's talk about what exactly a doula does. There are two types of doulas, birth and
postpartum. Here I will only talk about birth doulas (stay tuned for future installments!). A birth
doula provides continuous emotional and physical support for a laboring woman. For a woman
without a partner, having a doula almost seems essential, but where does a doula fit in with a
couple? Many husbands may initially feel threatened by her and feel that she may try and steal
his role. I have always found the opposite to be true. A doula not only creates a wonderful
environment for mom, but helps dad to be the best coach he can be, only enhancing his role.
A doula is a non-licensed, non-medical role. Doulas are not certified to practice medicine.
Because of this, anyone can call herself a doula. So it is up to the parents to interview and make
sure that the doula they choose has adequate knowledge and experience. Many wonderful
organizations exist to help with this. A doula can become a certified doula (CD) through such
groups as Doulas of North America (DONA), Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth
Educators (ALACE), or Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA), as well as
other organizations. All of these groups have websites listing the requirements for being certified
through them as well as how to find one of their doulas in your area.
There have been more than ten studies done recognizing the positive effects of having a birth
attended by a doula. Here are some of the effects on labor: shorter labors, fewer complications,
reduced cesareans, less need for oxytocin to speed labor, need for forceps reduced, and moms
request less pain medication and epidurals. There are also positive effects for mom: greater
satisfaction with birth experience, more positive assessment of their babies, and less postpartum
depression. Even the baby benefits, with shorter hospital stays and fewer admissions to the
NICU; they breastfeed more easily; and mothers are more affectionate to their babies
postpartum. Wow, all of that just from having a doula at your birth!
So why doesn't everyone have one? Well for one, not many people know about doulas. Also,
for those who do know, there may be some misconceptions. Many people think that a doula is
just for homebirth or an unmedicated birth. Although most doulas are trained in unmedicated
childbirth, they are there to support the mom and dad in whatever their wishes are for their birth
in a supportive, informative, non-judgmental way.
You simply have to find the right doula for you. Contact at least three doulas. There are lists of
basic questions to ask a doula on all of the aforementioned groups' websites. Most doulas in the
Charlotte area currently charge between $350-$650, depending on their demand and
experience. For this they will provide 2-3 prenatal visits, attending your labor and birth at your
home or the hospital (or both) and then 1-2 postpartum visits. You can look on
www.charlottedoulas.org for a great listing of local doulas.
Being a doula is a calling and a passion. There is not the fame, glory or money associated with
so many other jobs in the birth arena. But for most of us, we just can't not attend births. I am
definitely supportive of unmedicated birth, but I am in more support of informed birth. It breaks
my heart when a woman contacts me postpartum and she looks back on her birth experience
and says, "What just happened?" We all have to give up the "control" of our birth, because
there is no such thing. What we do not have to give up is our power.
I was with a woman recently who had a traumatic first birth experience and then proceeded to
have a beautiful second birth. Ten minutes after the baby was born, I was telling her how proud I
was of her and she tearfully said, "You don't understand. This has changed my life!" That is
why I do what I do!
| Doula Basics by Lara Miller published in Natural Awakenings Magazine, December 2004 |
Lara Miller is a certified doula (DONA) and a Bradley Childbirth Instructor. At the time this article was written, she
lived in Charlotte. She is currently away with her husband and three children, enjoying a long-term adventure
around the U.S. We hope to again have the pleasure of Lara's company here in Charlotte, once her family's
travels are completed.
lived in Charlotte. She is currently away with her husband and three children, enjoying a long-term adventure
around the U.S. We hope to again have the pleasure of Lara's company here in Charlotte, once her family's
travels are completed.
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