What’s a Doula?
It all begins with an idea.
Great strides have been made toward birth equity in recent years, but many people are still unaware of what a Doula is and what they do. In fact, many people aren’t aware that doulas are not just for birth work. Doulas cover a wide variety of topics and relationship dynamics. Doulas are educators, companions, and emotional support specialist through some of our most vulnerable experiences.
I am a full spectrum birth doula. This means I can provide support for families in the conception period, prenatal, labor & delivery, as well as postpartum. It is a big job that entails a constant love of learning. While I cover many areas, there are doulas who focus on each of these areas individually.
In addition to birth doulas, there are also doulas who don’t work with birthing or prospective birthing families at all. Below are a list of uncommon doulas that can provide support and information through some of life’s greatest challenges.
Intimacy Doulas - Help couples create deeper levels of intimacy in love, sex, and relationships. These doulas are great for helping to identify activities to breakdown the barriers past trauma can build.
Death Doulas - Help hospice patients prepare their mind and body for death. They are trained to help navigate the many emotions associated with accepting accepting the final ending, as well as supporting loved ones make this transition as well.
Conception/Fertility Doulas - Although I mentioned conception doulas above, I wanted to emphasize their importance. Conception doulas will focus their knowledge in the area of nutrition and medicinal practices that help families struggling to conceive.
Abortion Doulas - Support those who make the hard decision to end a pregnancy. Abortion doulas attend the appointment with clients and provide transportation and aftercare.
Doulas are an important part of ensuring quality healthcare. All the doulas listed here want to increase patient advocacy and vocation. Doulas are not healthcare providers and can’t make medical decisions or perform medical procedures. Doulas do not “catch” babies and should not be confused with midwives. Midwives receive extensive training to safely deliver children, doulas are support people. All parties can come together to help us transition in some of the toughest parts of our life.