So, what, exactly, does a doula do?

Hello readers, clients and fans of Mount Royal Village Family Chiropractic,

Nan here.  I'm the resident doula and Birthing From Within Mentor at MRVFC.  Before ever serving clients, I am often asked, sheepishly: what, exactly, is a doula?  No need to worry about not knowing what work I do with pregnant, birthing and parenting families -- believe me, you're not alone.

Simply stated, a doula is: someone who serves.  As a birth and postpartum doula it is my job to serve a birthing woman and her family and chosen support people with physical, emotional and informational support throughout pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.

The above question is usually followed with this one: Uhm…so what exactly is the difference between a doula and a midwife?

Great question!  Like doctors, midwives are responsible for the clinical aspects of prenatal, birth and early postpartum care.  They are the people who will be catching your baby at birth, the people who will be assessing whether or not your pregnancy is progressing along clinical norms, the people who will be making the call to admit you to hospital if necessary.  Doulas, on the other hand, are here to provide birthing families with informational, educational and physical support during pregnancy, birth and the early postpartum period.

In pregnancy, you might ask your doula to research the risks and benefits of particular tests, interventions and procedures that are available to you as a birthing family.  Or, in birth, you might ask your doula for a foot bath and massage as you are resting between contractions or surges.  Your doula will never: give you medical advice, push her personal agenda, or interact with birth attendants (be they midwives or doctors) on your behalf.

If you're interested in learning more about who I am or how to access my services, feel free to call or stop and ask Michelle at the front desk -- she will be happy to book you with a no-obligation appointment so we can meet and I can answer any questions you have about doulas or Birthing From Within classes in person.  Also, feel free to check out my website, or visit me on Facebook for more information and resources.