Doula
What is a doula? A doula is a woman who helps pregnant women and their families through labor and birth. Having a trained doula assisting the delivery of a child has been shown to reduce labor times, epidural requests, the use of oxytocin, the rate of cesarean sections, and forcep deliveries. The goal of a doula is to attend to the emotional, not just physical, needs of women going through childbirth and their partners.
"Why do I want to be a doula? Because I know how much one could have helped me when I gave birth," says Morgan Tharan, currently studying to be a doula. "I had a long labor, and it affected my baby's breathing and heart rate, so my midwife had to focus on helping him." "Doulas focus on the mother by supplying reassurance and comfort measures." Tharan further explains, "We are there to make sure the mother's and partner's emotional needs are being met."
A doula needs to know about the reproductive process in order to help the mother and answer her questions. Additionally, doulas must be caring and flexible. "Even if it's the middle of the night, if the mother wants me, I'm there." Says Tharan. Doulas especially seem to enjoy participating in the birth process. "Like me, most doulas are 'birth junkies.' We love participating in this wonderful life experience," admits Tharan. If you have this same attitude, consider becoming a doula.
Job Description
What is a doula?
The Professional Birth Assistant
Salary Information and Employment Outlook
What can a doula make?
Training Requirements/Examinations
Childbirth & Postpartum Professional Association (CPPA)
Professional Associations
Doulas of North America (DONA)
Childbirth & Postpartum Professional Association (CPPA)
Other Links
Charm.net doula information site
Other Related Job Titles
|
|
Doula Employers
|
Job Description
Salary Information and Employment Outlook
Training Requirements/Examinations
Professional Associations
Other Links
Other Related Job Titles
Doula Employers
