Doula? Whats that then?
You may have heard talk about doulas, especially if you have visited our Milky-Bar group, But what exactly IS a doula and why would you want to have one?
A doula is a peer, usually another mother, who has experience, training, and a particular passion for supporting women around the time of childbirth. Doulas are not medically trained, and there fore do not advise, but instead guide you through the discovery and planning of your own birth choices. Once you have established what your particular needs are, your doula will be able to support you with those choices. You may like an antenatal doula, who can work with you (and your chosen birthing partners if you have them) to prepare for birth, and to be available for emails, texts and visits throughout your pregnancy.
A birth doula will do the same, as well as joining you at the birth, and for a visit afterward. A post natal doula will usually meet with you once before the birth, and then support you for an agreed amount of time, usually for around the first 6 weeks after birth. She can be available to help you with chores around the house, to cuddle with baby whilst you take a rest, to chat through your birth experience and any feeding support you may need, or to help with older children whilst you care for your newborn.
Since your doula will be supporting you through one of the most exciting, life changing, and emotional times of your life, its important to make sure you are confident you have the right doula for you! You may like to meet with several doulas, and here you can find a list of questions you might like to ask to help you find out how they can work for you. At Milky-Bar we can put you in touch with local doulas, some who work under the organization of Doula UK and others who work independently.
If you have further questions or would just like to have a chat, please feel free to contact me at rachelsdoulaservices@googlemail.com
Good luck, and happy birthing!
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