By Ramona Redding Lopez
What is a Doula?
The word doula comes from the Greek word meaning woman’s servant. A birth doula is a professionally trained and certified birth assistant that provides support to both a laboring mother and her partner throughout labor and birth. While some hospitals and birth centers have doulas on staff, most are independently hired by birth parents to help create the type of birth experience the family desires. Special wishes such as specific music, lighting, relaxation techniques, or aromatherapy are communicated to the doula prior to the birth. The doula is aware of the family’s wishes, has a copy of their birth plan (if there is one), and can reinforce their commitment to natural birthing techniques throughout labor. (more…)