What is a doula, and why do you need one?

A doula is a woman trained and experienced in supporting women and their families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She supports families informationally, emotionally and physically. Your doula will meet with you initially, to get acquainted and discuss your needs. Once she is hired, she will meet with you during your pregnancy, for a prenatal meeting. At this prenatal meeting, she will explore your wants, needs, feelings and limitations.

She will help you formulate a plan of support for you and your family through this exciting process. Your doula will be available to you for the duration of your pregnancy, for support by phone or email. She will be on call for your birth. She will be ready to support you at your home, and/or meet you at the hospital.

She will provide you and your family with continous support throughout your labor and for the first couple of hours postpartum. When you are home and ready, she will meet with you for a postpartum meeting. Most women find these postpartum meetings helpful to review the birth experience, and bring closure to the event.