What is a Doula?
Basically, in today’s society, most women do not get the opportunity to witness childbirth until they have their own children and most women are too busy to research pregnancy and childbirth, and this lack of knowledge leads to fear.
The TV shows and movies we watch, dramatize childbirth, and depict it as being painful, uncontrolled and unsafe...lets face it.. A birth where the woman is in total control and gives birth freely and easily just wouldn't rate well!
Most women give birth in hospitals where the environment... all the bright lights, questions and interaction can increase counter productive hormones which can slow labour. This leads to a disbelief in ones ability to give birth.
Many women hear horror stories about other births, which can lead to fear. The women who have stories of a positive and empowered pregnancy and birth experience, are viewed with some doubt...
But the truth is, most of us are capable of having a fantastic birth experience.
Basically, fear, lack of knowledge and mistrust regarding pregnancy and birth has sadly become ‘normal’ in our culture. Who can change this perception? It is our job as a pregnancy, birth and postnatal Doulas is to make a difference... birth by birth.
Doulas re-invent the ancient tradition of women supporting women through the major life event of welcoming a baby into the world. Every woman has a right to have total control over her pregnancy, and give birth as naturally and gently as possible... Doulas can help to make this possible
Doulas support women and their partners during pregnancy, throughout the birth process in the hospital labour ward and during the postnatal period. The doula is not a midwife, a nurse or a medical practitioner.
Doulas do not provide medical, nursing, midwifery or any therapeutic care, nor do they comment on, interpret or judge this care. The doula provides three types of support:
· Informational support
· Emotional support
· Physical support
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