Demetria Clark Doula
The word, "doula," comes from the Greek word for the most important female slave or servant in an ancient Greek household, the woman who probably helped the lady of the house through her childbearing. The word has come to refer to "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth." (Klaus, Kennell and Klaus, Mothering the Mother).
A doula...
• Is aware of birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life.
• Understands the bodily processes of birth and the emotional needs of a woman throughout labor.
• Supports the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth, as well as being prepared to be "un-prepared".
• Stays by the side of the laboring woman from the moment she is called in and throughout the entire labor.
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions.
• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and clinical care providers.
• Perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience.
• Maintains all information received from her clients as Confidential.
Postpartum Doula
Postpartum doulas go into the home and help for the first few weeks with breast feeding, newborn care and instruction, mother care, offer resources and give general family and household support.
The Postpartum Doula assists the family in nurturing themselves and caring for each other with the new family dynamic. The role of the Birth Arts Postpartum Doula is not to assume primary responsibility for the newborn, but support the mother and her partner in their new role as parents so they can more easily bond with and take care of their baby.
Postpartum Doulas offer emotional and physical support services. Postpartum doulas utilize their education and support tools to assist with breastfeeding, time management, infant care and so much more.
Articles and handouts for parents