The word “doula” is a Greek word meaning “woman servant or caregiver”. It is now used to describe a person, normally a woman who gives emotional and physical support to women and couples before, during and after childbirth. Nowadays it has more commonly become somebody you may ask or employ to support you but was traditionally a role filled by family or women in the community. A doula is different from a midwife as her responsibility is your emotional and practical welfare. A midwife takes responsibility for the medical care of you and your baby. Doulas “mother the mother” – enabling a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time that she can during her transition to motherhood and in the early weeks. This support is extended to the family too as they all benefit both directly and indirectly from the doula’s support.
For details of how I offer this support please see My Services