What is a Birth Doula?

As described by DONA (Doulas of North America) a birth doula is:

“A person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.”

A birth doula is the person who is there for the mother. In a time when medical staff, Doctors, and Midwives are obligated to commit their attention to the baby being born, a Doula’s entire intention is on mothering the mother and supporting her partner.

Doula support begins during pregnancy, listening to expectant mothers and their partner’s wishes and helping them develop a birth “plan”. During the birthing process a Doula can use hands on techniques such as positioning suggestions and massage to help the mother manage birth and deliver her baby the way she desires. Doulas act as the families advocate with care staff and a knowledge source during times of intensity, unknown, and most likely, anxiousness.

By reminding a woman of her baby and the wishes that were discussed prior to the birth process, comfort can be found in particularly difficult experience and interventions can be postponed and often put off indefinitely. When a Doula is involved in the birthing environment as an experienced professional, she is able to assist and empower the women while providing the experience a family would like to achieve. A Doula’s job is to offer knowledge, to follow a well sought out plan with confidence, and help the mother and her partner feel at ease.

Som Visao is happy to offer on site Doula's to ensure the well being of mom-to-be during her pregnancy.