I hope to shed some light on a subject that has grown into a profession as well as share a bit about what's going on in the doula world today. I encourage anyone and everyone to take a moment to read this, especially if you are of child-bearing age.
"A Doula is a word that has most closely become associated with a woman who provides non-medical support during labor and birth, and also the postpartum period. The term can also be used to describe other supportive roles for other life events such as abortion, death and more." [1]
Let's start with the basics. Doula is pronounced DOO-luh (noun) and is a woman who assists another woman during labor and provides support to her, the infant, and the family after childbirth. [2] There are two main types of doulas, Birth Doulas and Postpartum Doulas, however as we evolve we are beginning to channel our unique skills to provide support in other areas of life as well: Antepartum Doulas, Bereavement Doulas, Adoption Doulas, to name a few. I don't know any personally, but I've even heard of Divorce Doulas.
Doulas aren't anything new either. In fact, the word doula dates all the way back to ancient Greece, meaning "female slave." Greek labor supporters began referring to themselves as "labor companions" or "birthworkers" after deciding they didn't want to interpreted or treated as a slave, as the historical definition depicts. Dana Raphael, an anthropologist, used the term for experienced mothers assisting new mothers in labor, breastfeeding and newborn care in Tender Gift: Breastfeeding (1973).[1] It wasn't until Marshall Klaus and John Kennell, physicians and authors, conducted clinical trials on the medical outcomes of doula-attended births, that the word doula was brought back to life to refer to those who provide labor support.
Not too long ago a woman contacted me inquiring about my services as a local Seattle Doula. She said very little over the phone but wanted to schedule a free consultation as soon as I was available. The following day, I met her and her husband at a local coffee shop. At first I thought I was approaching the wrong couple because they had such a quizzical expression on their faces. As we began to talk and warm up to one another the husband sat back in his chair, crossed his arms across his chest and said to me "you're normal". Quicker than I had time to process his comment I had answered "Eh, only sometimes". It wasn't until much later that the husband elaborated on this. He said that he expected an older woman with warts and birkenstocks. I couldn't help but laugh and it was okay because both he and his wife did too.
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| Vincent van Gogh's The Midwife |
Doulas are not only for those that choose to have a midwife provide their maternity care. (Doulas don't provide any kind of medical or clinical care - we're here for emotional and physical support purposes - so if you're looking for someone to assist your midwife you should look for a midwife's assistant or monitrice.) We are not on strict reserve for those choosing homebirth either. For the most part, a doula will provide support to any woman who wants one. Of course individual doulas may have their own preferences limiting them to specific geographical areas while others may prefer not to cross any bridges or attend an unassisted childbirth. Just like deciding on their fees for doula services, it's all up to the individual doula. This is all part of the process of meeting your potential doula and interviewing her thoroughly.
When choosing a doula it is recommended that you consider what qualities you would like to have in a doula. You might find it helpful to make a list of these qualities, much like you would list desired amenities in a home you were looking to buy or rent. Although it isn't customary for a doula to come with a big yard, walk-in closets and eat-in-kitchens, doulas do come with a plethora of experience, trainings and skill-sets. Don't be afraid to ask questions that you think will help you to determine if a doula is right for you.
It's important to remember that a doula is there to support you and your family. You are inviting her into a private, sacred space that is only yours and your partner's. You want to be sure you're comfortable with your doula and that there is a connection between you both (or at least the possibility of one).
When it comes time for me (as a mama) to find a doula to support me through labor and birth, I focus on just a few meaningful qualities: I make sure she's local because I want peace of mind that when I call for her it won't take too long to come to me. I make sure I can afford her fee (and if I can't, I know I can I ask if she has any discounts, a sliding fee scale or if she's willing to make payment arrangements). Lastly, and in my opinion most importantly, I make sure she's huggable. After all, who doesn't love a good hug?!
My short three-quality-checklist may not work for anyone besides me and that's okay. You may find other qualities more valuable, like whether or not the doula is certified, how many births she has attended, or how many clients she books each month. It might be crucial that she offer other services as well, like placenta encapsulation, belly casting or childbirth education classes.
Lucky for us Seattle Mommas, we have the advantage of living in one of the most doula-rich areas in the U.S. making our search for labor support that much easier. I encourage you to do a little research on the topic. The internet (as well as the good ole' fashioned library) is a great resource to find out about Kennel and Klaus' research, specific statistical information on the benefits of having a doula, how having a doula can improve birth and things that you can expect from a doula.
Good luck and be well!
Angelina "Angie" Leeks, Doula
Doulaville - Seattle Birth Services
To find out more about Angie Leeks or to inquire about her doula services email angiedoula@gmail.com or visit her on the web at www.doulaville.com.
Sources: [1] Wikipedia [2] The Free Dictionary
1 comment:
Great article!!
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