Considering a Doula?
What is a doula?
A doula, (from the ancient Greek, meaning "woman's servant"), is a person who is prepared to provide physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to women and their partners during pregnancy, labor, and birth. We think of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as a model example of a doula. Mary accompanied her cousin Elizabeth through Elizabeth's last stages of pregnancy and delivery. We imagine the dignity, grace, and humility that Mary would have displayed as she cared for a high-risk, old aged woman about to deliver her first child. What comfort Elizabeth would have taken from Mary's presence and support! Though you may not be high-risk, old aged, or delivering your first child, you too may appreciate the kind of support and skill that a doula can provide.
Doulas usually begin to work with a mom before labor, filling in some of her childbirth education gaps and teaching her different things to do to help get the baby in the best position for birth. They offer the mother and her husband/partner undivided attention throughout her labor and will check-in with the family post-partum as well. During labor, a doula offers help and advice with comfort measures, such as relaxation techniques, appropriate breathing, positioning, and massage. The labor doula stays in the room with the mom the whole time. She can help answer questions, remind you of your birth plan, and is a welcome set of helping hands. Oftentimes, having a labor doula present helps the mom to relax more, which can result in a shorter labor. Doulas do not replace medical and nursing staff. They do not perform clinical tasks such as taking blood pressures, monitoring fetal heart rates, doing vaginal exams, etc. They do not make decisions for you. But a doula is a strong emotional support that can help prepare you for your delivery and accompany you through it.
We recognize that each person brings something unique to the delivery. As doctors and nurses, we bring the medical skill, knowledge, and judgment necessary to ensure a safe and healthy Mom and baby. Husbands/partners, family and friends bring deep emotional support and encouragement. The presence of a doula is another layer of comfort, care, and communication.
Where can we find a doula?
Tepeyac Family Center recommends doulas that work well with our doctors to our patients' best advantage. You may contact our office to obtain our list of recommendations.
Information for your doula
In order to ensure that when the day of delivery comes we are functioning as a synchronized team, we would like to meet with you and your doula as early in your pregnancy as possible. Please coordinate with your doula to schedule a time to come to our offices where we can all sit down and talk together. (In the case of the doulas listed above, this meeting is not necessary.)
Do you have a doula who has not worked with Tepeyac Family Center in the past? Let the nurse or doctor know during your next visit to us.