What is a Doula, who are we, what do we do and where do we fit into the realm of birth. Funnily I get asked this question all the time.
The word 'Doula' originates from an ancient greek meaning "A woman who serves' usually an elder experienced in the birthing process. However in today's society our role is very similar we are considered a NON Medical professional support person being able to provide emotional, physical and informational support for birthing and postnatal parents/family.
So why become a Doula?
There is nothing more comforting than having someone with you that has been where your heading and come out the other side. They hopefully have experienced birth to its fullest, birth is one of the most powerful, raw and vunerable places a woman will ever experience and is a rollercoaster of emotions for both the woman and her circle of support. After having 4 spectacular babies of my own every birth was worlds apart starting with a caesarean section followed by 3 successful VBAC's my births led me to the value of Continuity of Care and that is EVERY womans god given right to have the pregnancy and birth of their choosing.