Useful Info > Professional Doula FAQs

What is a Doula?
The word Doula is a Greek word referring to an experienced woman who helps other women. The word has now come to mean a woman who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after childbirth.

A Birth Doula "mothers the mother" during the birth process. While staying by the mother's side during labor and delivery, we provide emotional, physical and psychcological support to mom and her partner. Mothering the mother includes massage, encouraging words, and suggestions; it also includes things like fetching water or a cool washrag.

A Postpartum Doula “mothers the mother” during the transition period after your baby arrives. There is no training manual and you still need to eat and sleep. Sometimes the things that came easily before your baby, are now perceived as nearly impossible. A Postpartum Doula can lend a helping hand and encouragement, emotional support and simply a friend to talk to.

What does a Postpartum Doula do?
Some of the things a Postpartum Doula does are listed below. Each Doula may offer something a little different. Find a Doula that meets your individual needs.

• Keep the mother fed and well hydrated.
• Assist with breastfeeding education.
• Assist the mother while breastfeeding with pillows, positioning, snacks, etc.
• Educate family members on how to “mother the mother” through modeling, demonstration, and explanation.
• Play with older siblings.
• Hold or feed the baby while mom gets rest or plays with older children.
• “Run interference” and insulate the family from constant telephone calls and visitors.
• Instruct the parents on how to bathe and dress the baby or perform these tasks at the parent’ request.
• Prepare meals.
• Wash, fold and put away baby clothes.
• Organize the nursery by making sure diapers, laundry, etc. are stocked and tidy.
• Set up “changing stations” in well-used parts of the house. Assemble “the basics” in a basket for each floor of the house, to cut down on stair climbing for mom.
• Tidy up the kitchen.
• Sit and really listen to the mother describe her day, feelings and concerns.
• Listen to the mother’s birth story again and again.
• Make suggestions for resources, referrals and networking with other parents.
• Answer the parents’ questions.
• Assess for problems with basic skills and adjustment and make recommendations when appropriate.
• Answer the questions of other family members and visitors.
• Do the grocery shopping.
• Wash, fold and put away the baby’s and siblings’ clothes.
• Offer the mother a gentle and relaxing foot or back massage.
• Run errands with or for the mother.
• “Babysit” while mom gets a nap, a shower, time alone with one of her children, or a follow up visit with her midwife or doctor.
• Light housework and tidying up.

Does a Doula do medical exams?
No, a Doula is not trained to provide any type of medical care. A Doula is strictly emotional and physical support.

Will my husband feel replaced as a labor coach?
No, your husband has a very vital role in the birth of his child. It can be hard for someone who loves you to remain objective, calm and somewhat removed from your fears and discomfort. For these reasons, a laboring mother needs a doula to help her and her husband cope with the labor. Your husband can provide you with love while your Doula can provide you with experience.