What is a Doula?
And what is the difference to a midwife?
A doula is a birth companion: She accompanies pregnant women/couples emotionally and physically before, during, and after birth. She porvides constant and personal support. The term ‘doula’ comes from the Greek and means “woman’s servant”.
Did you know that mothers were always supported through this powerful experience of giving birth by other experienced women? Artworks, sculptures and drawings from history show it: The mother, the midwife, and the mother’s companions.
“Throughout human history, women have always helped women give birth. Virtually all non-industrialized, hunter-gathering and agricultural societies offered, and still offer, mothers the continuous support of other women during labor and delivery. As childbirth moved from home to hospital. however, this vital ingredient in childbirth began to disappear. While efforts to involve fathers and introduce other human practices into the birth room brought the couple together at this important time, this practice tended to reduce the sensitive and experienced care of the obstetric nurse during labor. Childbirth tended to become lonelier and more psychoologically stressful for parents.
Continuous support from a doula during labor provides physical and emotional benefits for mothers and health bonuses for their babies.”
Excerpt from “The Doula Book” by Marshall H. Klaus, John H. Kennell, Phyllis H. Klaus.
Continuous One-on-One Support
It is something so few of us get to experience nowadays: Someone to be there with us, constantly and reliably. This is where my work as a doula begins. I accompany mothers to be and their partners emotionally and physically before, during, and after birth. I provide calming and empathetic support to make sure that the mother and her partner receive the best support for the birth and are never left alone. Every mother deserves to experience the birth as a positive moment in her life. As a rule, my support comes in addition to the medical support of the midwife and/or doctor.
Any birth is a unique and unforgettable moment in the life of the mother and her family. They all deserve love and support. Discover what I can offer you.
What is the difference to a midwife?
A doula is always an additional source of support on top of the midwife and/or doctor, in hospital, in a birth house, or at home. She will never replace their medical care, and she has no specific medical training. She is not qualified to check your cervix, test the baby’s heartbeat, take your blood pressure etc. The doula is there for the emotional health of the mother and her partner.