Women always gave birth supported by other women. In ancient Greek the word "doula" means a woman who serves the birthing mother. In the old days, with no knowledge of anatomy, physiology or pathology , theses women were mothers who rely on their mothering instincts for emotional support and on their feminine wisdom for physiological support and coping with the pain – their tools included chanting, vocalization, and movement in dances, touch, breath work, herbs, soaking in water and more.
In our days, when birth is considered to be a medical experience, the doula became a modern profession. A birth doula is a trained and experienced, non-medical assistant who provides physical, emotional and mental comfort and care during pregnancy and birth. As doulas we are knowledgeable about the birth process. We do learn the anatomy and physiology of birth, and we understand the progress. We learn about common medical interventions and hospital procedures, but the essence of our profession remains the same- we support the birthing mom and her partner and we focus on the quality of the birth experience. We support mothers to have the birth experience they tell us that they want. We are coachingthe mothers during birth with two goals in mind: coping with pain as well as a range of emotional and physiological symptoms that are present at every birth, and inviting progress.
If you are passionate about:
Active birth
Healthy birth
Natural birth
Empowering Birth
You might want to consult with a birth doula or becoming a doula.
Mama Center
A good birth for a better life
