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Modern-day Doulas

Guiding Families Through Childbirth

By Kelly Camden, Certified Doula

survey states, "mothers generally rated sources of support highly, with doulas receiving more favorable ratings than others." In reflecting upon their births, these mothers shared their experiences with doula support:

"I understood a lot about childbirth, my aches and pains and baby care through my doula. I also thank her for constantly keeping in touch with me and my baby through phone calls and visits." – Jennifer, 31, first baby

"Her calm nature and the way she held my hand and applied pressure to my back really helped me go through my contractions." – Monica, 25, second baby

"What helped me was the foot and ankle massage to get labor moving. Also, her soft voice, her full knowledge of our birth plan, the physical support of her presence at the hospital during early labor and the emotional support that she gave my husband to get through the process. Knowing he had additional support helped me relax and have the confidence to get through the process of 'natural' childbirth." – Cheryl, 41, second baby

For many doulas, the sense of how to support birthing women and their families blossoms from their own experience of giving birth. However, motherhood is not a requirement for being a doula. To become certified, a student doula must attend a workshop and childbirth class. She is required to study labor, birth and postpartum, including how to support women during normal labor and when unexpected situations arise. Then she provides support for several birthing women. Through these experiences she becomes familiar with the emotions and sensations of labor, while learning different ways to physically support the mother. Doulas have faith in each woman's ability to give birth and nurture her baby, and impart that feeling to the new mother.

Want to see more?

• Do You Doula? Postpartum Doulas Support Breastfeeding Moms
• OB or Midwife? Hospital or Birthing Center? Choosing the Right Caregiver
• The Big Push: Does Coaching Help
  Labor Progress?
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!