What is a doula?

Labor Doulas

Labor/Birth doulas are re-creating the woman-to-woman network of the past.  Having another woman present to provide reassurance and encouragement has been seen throughout history.   Doulas understand the emotional and physical complexities of birth, we are able to increase the intimacy of the experience for a mother and her partner by managing the fears of both parents and providing useful comfort techniques for the mother that her partner may use as well.  We also facilitate communication between a couple and their maternity care team.  We use a wide variety of pain-management techniques to help women feel more safe and comfortable. 

                                                     Labor/Doulas do not

 **Perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, and others.  We are there to

 provide only physical comfort, emotional support and advocacy**

 

 **Make decisions for you.  We will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision.   We will also remind you if there is a departure from your birth preferences**

 

 **Speak to the staff instead of you regarding matters where decisions are being made.  We will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will speak on your behalf to the clinical staff**

                                         

 

                                                          Postpartum Doulas

 

 

A postpartum doula is a nurturing, non-judgmental woman who helps ease the transition into parenthood during the early postpartum weeks.  She offers emotional and breastfeeding support along with practical newborn care advice.  She takes care of necessary household tasks such as meal preparation, light cleaning and errand running.  Importantly, a doula will adjust her services to meet the particular needs of each family. 

 

Postpartum Doulas do not

 

**Perform medical care such as diagnosis or treatment**

 

**Pressure parents to adhere to a particular style of baby care**

 

**"take over" baby care for the mother or father**

 

 

                     Questions to Ask a Labor Doula                           

1.  What training have  you had? 

 

          2.  Tell me about your experience with birth personally and as a doula.     

          3.  What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor?

          4.  What are the actual services you provide as a doula?

          5.  May we meet to discuss my birth plans and the role you will play in supporting me during childbirth?  

          6.  May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?

          7.  What care providers have you worked with?  In what hospitals have you attended births?

          8.  When do you try to join women in labor?  Do you come to my home or meet me at hospital? 

          9.  Do you meet with m after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?

         10.  Do you work with one or more backup doulas (for times when you are not availabe) May we meet them?

         11.  What is your fee?  Is any part of your fee refundable if you do not make the birth?

         12.  May I have a list of previous client references? (call these references to gain insight into this doula's services).

Questions to ask a Postpartum Doula

            1.  What does a Postpartum Doula do? Can you explain your role to me.

            2.  What training have you had?

            3.  May I have a list of previous client references?

            4.  What experience do you have with newborns and postpartum women?

            5.  How long does a Postpartum Doula spend with a family?

            6.  What hours can I expect a Postpartum doula to work with my family?

            7.  What is the difference between a Postpartum Doula and a Baby nurse?

            8.  What is the Postpartum Doula's goal?

            9.  How can I find a Postpartum Doula in my area?

           10.  How does a Postpartum Doula nurture the parents into their roles?

            11.  Do Postpartum Doulas help mothers deal with postpartum depression?

            12.  Do Postpartum Doulas teach a particular parenting approach or method?

            13.  How does a Postpartum Doula work with a mother's partner or other family members?

            14.  Will a Postpartum Doula help with older children?

            15.  What is your fee?  Do you have a minimum of hours required?

Notice:  LIDA, Inc., is a not-for-profit corporation whose purpose is to promote the mutual advancement of the interests of it's members who may be, but are not required to be doulas.  As such, LIDA, Inc., cannot and does not accept any responsibility for the individual conduct of its members and any contracts between a member and her client are exclusive to the member  and her client.

Contact us at  info@lidoulas.com  for information on our association, our mission, or our crisis fund.  Please e-mail or call members directly on our "member lists" to discuss specific services.