What is a Doula?

Etymologically speaking, “doula” comes from the Greek word doulē, or ‘female slave’. This caregiver role is grassroots in origin and has existed in one way or another since the dawn of time, as women in the community or members of a birthing person’s family stepped up to fulfill the support needs of expectant mothers and new parents during the prenatal, labor & postpartum periods. Recently, as nuclear family units move across the country away from their extended family and network of friends, women have felt the call to birth work, have trained and studied to become Doulas available to support folks during this pivotal time. Doulas are not medical experts, they provide emotional, physical and logistical support during any and all phases of the perinatal experience.

Do I need a Doula?

A birth or postpartum doula is a great option if you’re looking for neutral third party support— this can be in addition to your friends or family…. or in lieu of their assistance. In this day & age, we are inundated with information—- choosing your parenting style can be overwhelming and the source of some shame or anxiety! Having a doula can mean the different between surviving or thriving during the perinatal experience.

What does a Doula do?

Doulas are in the business of being flexible— jack of all trades, master of none. Particularly in the postpartum period when the needs of new parents can very quite drastically. Doulas provide emotional, physical and logistical support to new parents in their home during the postpartum period and in the hospital during labor & delivery.