The Doula's Role
The doula’s role is to provide emotional and physical support to the birthing person before, during and after labor.
This is an overpowering and vulnerable time for both the birthing person and the partner. The birthing person in labor deserves to be nurtured, to be heard, respected, and to be free to surrender herself to the birthing experience. For most birthing people giving birth will be unlike any other experience they ever had, and it may completely change the way they view themselves and the world. The partners are going through their own process as well. They want to feel involved and engage with the laboring birthing person, so they too need support, guidance and reassurance. My role as your doula is to make sure that all these needs are met. Birth and labor can sometimes come up with unexpected surprises. My goal is for the birthing person and the partner to have a positive birth experience. I am here to listen and respect your decisions. We, your birth team are here to support you.
As a doula, I do not
Perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, and others. I am there to provide only physical comfort, emotional support and advocacy.
Make decisions for you. I will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision. I will also remind you if there is a departure from your Birth Plan.
Speak to the staff instead of you regarding matters where decisions are being made. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will speak on your behalf to the clinical staff.