What is a doula?
Most of the times someone looks at me confused and asks the question "Could you tell me what a doula is?" This is where I was myself seven years ago but luckily the concept 'doula' is becoming more known every day. I always anwser that I provide support and guidance to women and their partners. Before, during and after the birth of their baby. On an emotional, practical, physical and spiritual level. A whole mouth full, but does it cover the load of what a doula is?
We used to live together as a tribe. Where birth and death were closely intertwined with our daily existence and where caring for each other in transformative phases was common practice. Much of this has been lost due to the individualization of society. We are focused on ourselves and our partner. And the mentality 'I can do this alone' or 'I will do this myself' has an ever-increasing imprint on our lives.
However, you don't have to do this alone. In this period, in which everything is new, magical and overwhelming you can find support in another sweet person, a doula. But isn't that my partners role? Certainly, your partner will do it together with you. Only like you, your partner is becoming a parent as well - and it is just as overwhelming for them. Full attention and love for both in this process is what a doula provides.
The word doula comes from modern Greek (δούλα) and means 'servant-woman'. "Being in service of..." that is what a doula does. She is simply there for you in many forms.
We used to live together as a tribe. Where birth and death were closely intertwined with our daily existence and where caring for each other in transformative phases was common practice. Much of this has been lost due to the individualization of society. We are focused on ourselves and our partner. And the mentality 'I can do this alone' or 'I will do this myself' has an ever-increasing imprint on our lives.
However, you don't have to do this alone. In this period, in which everything is new, magical and overwhelming you can find support in another sweet person, a doula. But isn't that my partners role? Certainly, your partner will do it together with you. Only like you, your partner is becoming a parent as well - and it is just as overwhelming for them. Full attention and love for both in this process is what a doula provides.
The word doula comes from modern Greek (δούλα) and means 'servant-woman'. "Being in service of..." that is what a doula does. She is simply there for you in many forms.
Benefits of a doula
When you have a doula by your side during birth, she will give you continuous support. This gives you a sense of security. The feeling of safety is what you need to be able to open yourself literally and figuratively.
Because of her knowledge about the birth process, the female body and the medical aspects, she can provide you with a lot of information. In addition, a doula knows a lot about relaxation techniques, positions and whatever is needed in the different phases of your birth. Whether this is of a practical or emotional nature.
Because of her knowledge about the birth process, the female body and the medical aspects, she can provide you with a lot of information. In addition, a doula knows a lot about relaxation techniques, positions and whatever is needed in the different phases of your birth. Whether this is of a practical or emotional nature.
|
Research shows the following benefits:
|
|
Do you want to know more about what this supportive process looks like? Then click on the button below