The word doula originates from the Greek language and

means “servant of woman”. These days it always applies

to those women with caring hearts and hands and training

who help women and their personal support team in

childbirth or in their postpartum recovery.

The birth doula usually establishes a rapport with her

clients a few weeks or months before the birth occurs. She

may help the couple develop a birth plan and may share

helpful  counsel on things like what to have ready to give

comfort and support during the labour and birth

whether it occurs at home or in hospital. She will likely

be called when labour is not yet well established and

will spend time with the labouring mother and her other

support people at her home before the birth occurs.

She attends to the mother’s physical and emotional

needs by suggesting positions and techniques useful in

assisting the progression of labour. She will also give

encouragement and show kindness and respect.

Doulas are generally present for the birth and may be able to be in for a surgical

delivery as well. After a few hours of tending to the new family’s immediate needs

following the birth she would leave but, return to home or hospital as agreed upon.

One or two follow-up visits with the family as they settle into their new roles at

home and her role is finished.

If more help is required by the new family, a postpartum doula can be retained. She

takes care of the daily household tasks as agreed upon by the family and her,

assists with baby care or addresses other needs.

These two supportive services may prove invaluable to a new family in getting off to

a great start. Each doula is free to set her own fees and work within her scope of

comfort and skills.

We have many wonderful caring women who are already serving new moms and

their families. If you feel you would benefit from the care of either of these two

groups of trained and experienced women, or would just like to discuss your needs

please contact me or DONA or Doula CARE.