What is a doula?

Maybe you have heard the term “Doula” before, maybe this is an entirely new concept to you. Women have been cared for during their labor by friends, families and members of the community from the beginning of time. The term “Doula” was defined in the 1960s to describe a support person present during pregnancy, labor and delivery. Doulas have recently gained more popularity and more expecting mothers seek trained, professional support during their pregnancy, birth and post partum period. But what exactly is a doula and what does she do?

A doula is “a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.”

I often compare a doula like the coach of a football team (Go Saints). The pregnant person is the Quarterback. We know that the Quarterback needs to be protected at all costs to keep them healthy until the end of the game. The Quarterback’s best support is offensive line - the husband or partner, maybe a family member or friend. They have a significant role and without them, the Quarterback cannot win a game. The glue to this formation is the coach (that’s me!). They call the plays (suggest position changes), remind the players of the drills that were practiced (comfort measures) and motivates them to keep pushing even if the team is trailing behind. This comparison usually helps the dads to understand what us women already know - you deserve the best support possible throughout your pregnancy and birth.

You see, the coach is on the sideline, observes, supports, and calls time outs when necessary. The coach adjusts the plays based on circumstances and strategizes to make sure our Star-Quarterback Mother is supported and protected. The goal is always to win the game - as a team.