doula??

[ashley0891]

What exactly do they do? and has anyone had one? What was it like?

[sabbylopez]

A doula is considered a labor partner. We guide and support women and their partners continuously through labor and birth. We are on call for you, arrive at your home or hospital when you need us and remain with you continuously, with few or no breaks, until after baby is born. We are trained and experienced in providing emotional support, physical comfort, and nonclinical advice. As a souls we cannot and do not try to take over your partners role because they know you better. But there are many times when a women needs more then one helper in labor, and when your partner needs reassurance, advice, and help.

[spiffy91]

What is a doula?

The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.