What is a Doula?

A Doula is a trained professional specializing in Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Postpartum period. They provide guidance and support to women & their families in the emotional and physical aspects of childbirth & beyond.

It is their job to work along side the medical care providers and staff to bring extra support to those in their childbearing time that brings greater satisfaction through support in the birth experience.

A Doula is:

• A Guide
• Support
• a Servant
• Reassuring
• Knowledgeable
• Calm
• A Coach
• Gentle

A Doula can:

• Provide Comfort measures
• Help you find your voice
• Create a calm space
• Guide your partner
• Answer questionsA Doula can be there before, during, and after childbirth to help reassure you and provide you with gentle loving mothering care. She is a wealth of knowledge and can tell you if what you are feeling is normal. She can simply hold your hand and nod her head and listen. She will help your partner feel more confident in supporting you and work with the team of care providers you have chosen. She will support your decisions to birth how you would like, be it naturally, with medications, at a hospital, birth center, or at home with a midwife, even a c-section if that’s what you want.  She is a guide to your journey of birth and can help you get over the hurdles or challenges you face. But mostly she will be there to remind you that you can get through this, just breath and keep going. 

A Doula Does Not:

• Speak for you
• Perform medical tasks
• Judge your decisions
• Replace your Partner but works with them
• Replace a Doctor or Midwife

Link below Local Article for the Olds Albertan featuring yours truly!  March 11, 2014 Written by Joesph Ho 

http://www.oldsalbertan.ca/article/20140311/OLD0801/303119959/0/old

Link for Red Deer Doula Association Feature in Red Deer Express special feature: Women Today. Rediscovering the vital role of a Doula.  Also featuring yours truly!

http://issuu.com/blackpress/docs/i20140423092341593/3

DONA International Video- The Essential Ingredient: DOULA

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