Frequently asked questions
+ What does the word “doula” mean?
The term doula comes from a Greek word meaning “a woman who serves.” A doula takes the nurturing role that family and community used to play in the birth process.
+ What is the difference between a doula and midwife?
Midwives have medical training - their main focus during the birth process is to deliver a healthy baby. In comparison, doulas focus on the needs of the mother. They offer mental, physical, and emotional support. Doulas do not have medical training. For more details, head over to my blog where I discuss the differences in more detail in the blog post "Doula vs. Midwife".
+ I’m working with a very good doctor - do I still need a birth doula?
Yes, you do because:
- Doulas are all about YOU
- A doula’s sole purpose is to provide physical, emotional, and informational support during labour and birth without doing anything medical. You might have a birth team which might include your partner, your doctor, your midwife and other family members, but during labour they may have other things to focus on. For instance, your doctor or midwife may be focusing on your dilation while your partner is trying to cope with all the emotional overload, and your birth doula will be the one standing by your side, making sure you have everything you need for a positive birth experience.
- Doulas Can Be a Personal Resource Guide
- Doulas offer advice in a nonclinical and nonjudgmental way, and they can help answer questions that are specific to your pregnancy and any time you need.
- Having a doula might decrease your labouring time
- When the birthing woman is well supported, she might feel more empowered and thus might experience less pain and ask for fewer interventions. When the woman feels more relaxed and less stressed, her labour might occur faster.
- Doulas can provide support to the medical team
- Doctors and midwives are often happy to have doulas working with them. As the medical team has to care for so many aspects of the mother's and baby's clinical care, they aren't necessarily able to provide emotional support to a labouring woman. A doula can provide continuous support and help a mother feel less anxious, less stressed, less in control, which often leads to a shorter and safer labour and birth.
- Doulas can provide support to the partner as well
- Doulas never try to replace them. On the contrary, they encourage partners to be an integral part of the birth experience by providing reassurance and affirmation for both parents, and by helping a partner feel confident and comfortable in assisting during labour.
+ How do I know that I have found the right doula for me?
After asking questions about her experience and her training, see if you feel a level of chemistry, comfort, and safety with your doula as she will accompany you during one of the most intimate and eventful experiences of your life.
+ How can I find a doula?
Check out the following websites where you can search for doulas near you:
You can also ask your doctor, midwife, and childbirth educator for recommendations. Just ask around generally - chances are, someone in your life or in your social networks can recommend a trusted doula.
+ My mother will be there for me during postpartum period – do I still need a postpartum doula?
Yes, just like a birth doula, a postpartum doula is the only one focusing on the new mother without a judgmental point of view. She can help you feel comfortable and confident in caring for your newborn, help you understand whether everything is going well and make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthily, and take enough time for yourself to fully recover.
+ How can I make my birth space relaxing?
You can easily create a desirable atmosphere in the birth space. Here are a few tips for you:
- Dim the lights
- Use battery operated candles
- Turn on a relaxing music or the music of your choice
- Use pleasing scents
- Bring items from home to remind you your safe environment (pillow, blanket, photo, etc.)
- Hugs and kisses from the partner