SimplyBirth Birth Doula. What is a Birth Doula

What is a Doula?

New motherhood . . . this is the romanticised image that is portrayed, but it is often a far cry from the reality. Today's mother is generally not given the chance to enjoy her pregnancy, labour and new baby because of the pressures that society places upon her. "Doula" (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver".

It now refers to an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth. A doula believes in "mothering the mother" - enabling a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time that she can during pregnancy, birth and the early days as a new mum.

This type of support also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience. Birth doulas are trained and experienced in childbirth, although they may or may not have given birth themselves. They have a good knowledge and awareness of female physiology BUT the doula is not supporting the mother in a clinical role - that is the job of the midwife/medical staff.. The Doula is employed by the parents.