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Hello Barb,
Thank you for your question regarding doulas. The word "doula" is a Greek word, used to describe someone experienced in childbirth, who provides continuous, physical, emotional and informational support to the mother and her partner, before, during and just after childbirth.
There are also post-partum doulas, who provide emotional and practical support during the post-partum period.
A doula understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of women in labor. She may assist the woman and her partner in preparing for the birth by meeting with them pre-natally.
Doulas stay with moms throughout labor, providing emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint as well as helping her get the information she needs to make informed decisions. The doula may facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner and the care providers.
The doula does not replace the partner, rather, allows the partner to participate at their own comfort level.
I hope this is helpful. If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Lauri Hughes
Birth Assistants of Boulder
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