By Stacey Scarborough, ICCE, CLE, AdvCD(DONA), PCD, BDT
What DOES a doula do???? Do you WANT to Doula?
To this day, people still question what this word means? “Oh, you catch babies!” (No, those are Midwives!)
“Oh, you get to take care of babies!” (Nope, those are Postpartum doulas and grandparents!)
“Oh, you get to do all the work and help mom deliver the baby!” (Nah, we definitely don’t do that, either!)
So what is a doula, and why is it a big deal? Because being a doula is AWESOME! So here is what we really do.
We provide educational support, refer parents to childbirth classes, recommend childbirth books, or refer to online education. A doula isn’t the same thing as a childbirth educator, but she can refer to other providers and even get certified as a childbirth educator.
Our emotional support is our calm demeanor, soothing activities, and encouragement. We are there to provide mom with a safe and comfortable sense of being in any birthing location.
Physical support is provided by encouraging mom to:
- get out of the bed
- change positions
- be actively changing the body and mind to accept and release
- drink water
- shower and/or bathe
Doulas also lead the birthing partner into their role with their presence to truly support the mother’s process.
Doulas are recognized throughout the world as a positive part of a birth experience. Doulas Of North America (DONA) International is the first recognized training organization and is referred to as a leader in the doula movement through the work of its founders and the amazing (and recently retired) Penny Simkin.
There are now more than 150 training organizations throughout the country. To become trained as a doula, one must complete a 3-day workshop, at the end of which trainees are bestowed the title of “trained birth doula.”
Certification is a choice for those who want to continue their education to rise to the top of the field, and each organization has its own steps towards certification. However, not every family feels the need to hire a certified doula. Certification is a personal choice of the doula.
Spokane Birth Resources has a Doulas page in the Resource Directory. Expecting parents should consider interviewing 2-3 doulas to find the ‘right fit’ for their family’s lifestyle and birthing preferences. A connection between the doula and parents is important!
Do you want to become a doula or a childbirth educator? I can train you! I have been training doulas and educators for more than 25 years and in 6 different states. For more information about me and my business, go to www.preparingtheparents.com.
Stacey Scarborough is a birth doula trainer and childbirth educator based in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. She also offer private childbirth classes in the comfort of your home. Check out Stacey’s high-visibility ads under the Childbirth Educators, Doulas, and Support Groups & Education sections of the Spokane Birth Resource Directory.