| What does 'doula' mean?
The word “Doula” comes from the ancient Greek language, and refers to a female who serves, or a woman who helps other women.
Presently, the term doula is used more often to specifically refer to a professional labor support provider.
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dou·la (dôô'lə)
n. A woman who assists another woman during labor and provides support to her, the infant, and the family after childbirth.
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What does a doula do?
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A doula will...
- Provide emotional, physical, intellectual and environmental support during labor, birth, and immediately after birth
- Help parents to better understand the birthing process and work with them during labor and birth
- Help women discover and draw on their own strength to do their very best and to take pride in their own effort
- Recognize childbirth as a pivotal life experience that a mother will remember forever
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“If doulas were a medication or a device, I expect there would be a stampede to use them. Just because having a doula present makes good common sense does not decrease its importance.”
—Dr. John Kennell
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio |
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doula. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved June 29, 2009, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/doula
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