What is a Doula?

Doula is a Greek word that loosely translated means "female servant". We use the word doula today to represent a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a woman in labor. In addition, she helps establish breastfeeding in the hospital and provides postpartum support to the mother (postpartum doula) during the first difficult weeks of adjustment at home.

Doulas Make A Difference! Chesapeake Birth Companions offer the following birth doula services:

Preparation for Birth Through Education & Information

Your doula will have telephone contact with you during the duration of your pregnancy. During the last 6 weeks, she will contact you to schedule a Labor Rehearsal. Your doula will "rehearse" with you the most typical birth scenarios, emphasize comfort measures for each stage of labor, and encourage youir partner to practice hands-on skills. This Labor Rehearsal is critical in planning a birth that meets your objectives. By being understanding and accepting your wishes for your birth, your doula can be a source of invaluable strength and confidence.

Emotional & Physical Support During Labor and Delivery

Your doula will provide emotional support throughout your labor and delivery with her undivided and constant presence. This is her most important task. If desired, she will meet you at your home once labor starts and then follow you to the hospital or birth center once you are ready. She will help create a safe and quiet atmosphere in which you can stay calm, relaxed, and focused. She will help keep you comfortable with a variety of breathing and positioning techniques, utilize massage to help relax and comfort you, and use cold/heat & aromatheraphy therapies to keep you as comfortable as possible.

Knowledge and Experience to Provide Reassurance

Your doula will keep you informed about obstetric routines and interventions, and knows how to recognize difficulties or complications, as well as signs of good progress. With constant reassurance of your progress, she will guide you through labor, utilizing the support mentioned above.

Supports Your Wishes and Needs

Your doula always keeps your best interests at heart. She can act as your liaison with the medical staff. Without performing medical duties or giving medical advice, she will help communicate your needs and wishes to the medical staff, based on your birth expectations (birth plan).

Mothering the Mother

Your doula is 100% there for you. She will give you confidence and courage to pass through the unknown journey each childbirth experience represents, and empower you to make positive birth choices as you define them.

Every Woman Deserves a Doula!