Giving Birth- What is a Doula?

Most of you, I am assuming, have at least heard of the term doula.  I am also assuming, based on my inbox, not everyone understands what a doula does!  First I will list a few things a doula DOES, then I'll move on to what a doula DOESN'T do.

• A doula is a labor care provider for both home and hospital births.
• A doula provides emotional, physical and informational support to a couple before, during and immediately after birth.
• Doulas will go over the natural progression of birth with you before labor and remind you of that natural progression during labor.
• A local doula will know the hospital's policies and can walk you through what to expect from the staff.
• A doula will go over pain management optins for both home and hospital births.
• You can expect your doula to stay with you as long as you need her during labor. 
• Dad's are able to "tag in" or "tag out" without fear of their wife being unsupported. 
• A doula will coach the dad to care for the mom, reminding him of the natural birth process.
• A doula will take notes during your labor and delivery so you can ask her questions afterwards. She will meet with you briefly during the postpartum time to help you process your birth experience and to receive feedback from you!

This list could easily go on!  Here are some things a doula won't do!

• Make decisions for you. She will remind you of all of your options and encourage you to make the best choice yourself .
• Take over the dad's role. Before birth, a doula will go through the father's role. Sometimes a father wants to be very hands off, sometimes he wants to be one hundred percent hands on. A doula will jump in only when needed, never intending to take on another role but knowing that her role may change.
• Medical care. A doula DOESN'T offer medical care to a family, but can give informational support and can lead you in the right direction for care. Examples would be where to find a good pregnancy experienced chiropractor, massage therapist, lactation consultant etc.
• Doulas do NOT, typically, work for the hospital or midwife. They only have you to worry about.
• A GREAT doula will NEVER mind if you get an epidural, want support during a c-section, choose to vaccinate your child or any other birth decisions you will have to make! She just wants you to have a fantastic and fully supported birth, regardless of how you choose to give birth.

I'm already planning part two, the benefits of having a doula! Check back soon!