"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!
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. She served as the spokeswoman for Charlotte
Doulas for 3 years, from 2004 to 2007. She and her family moved to the Boulder, CO area in 2008, and Lara continues her
work with birthing women and families there. Our loss is definitely Boulder's gain!
Doulas for 3 years, from 2004 to 2007. She and her family moved to the Boulder, CO area in 2008, and Lara continues her
work with birthing women and families there. Our loss is definitely Boulder's gain!
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| CHARLOTTE, NC * HUNTERSVILLE, NC * CONCORD, NC * GASTONIA, NC * SHELBY, NC * HICKORY, NC * STATESVILLE, NC * ROCK HILL, SC * FT. MILL, SC |
| PROFESSIONAL PRE- AND POST-BIRTH ASSISTANTS OF CHARLOTTE, NC & SURROUNDING AREAS |