Some people may confuse the role of a doula with one of a midwife. Although some of their duties overlap each other, they have very distinct roles. A midwife provides medical care. A doula, on the other hand, will provide non-medical care in the form of education and emotional support to not only the mother, but anyone else involved in her pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
A lot of doulas come from many different backgrounds. Some are currently medical providers. They may be stay at home mothers. Some may not even be a parent. What's most important is their ability to provide specialized comfort, encouragement, and support to the mother.
Through this specialized care, doulas greatly reduce the possibilities of:
*Cesareans
*Infant mortality
*Pain medication
A doula is never there to take the place of a spouse or medical provider.
A doula works to encourage, reassure, and inform.
Are you interested in hiring a doula and worried about the cost?
Some hospitals, birth centers and independent doula businesses even offer low cost and/or pro bono services to mothers.
Including a doula in your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum does not have to be unaffordable.
Happy World Doula Week!
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