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Births and deaths are the most critical points in human experience. If you're looking for someone to help guide you through one of these stages, consider a doula.
What does a doula do?
A doula is a person who provides practical and emotional support during critical moments. The most common types of doulas are birth doulas, who are present during the labor and delivery process, and death doulas, who are present during the period up to and including death. There are also postpartum doulas, abortion doulas, baby doulas, and many other specialties.
In this article, we explain how a doula can help make experiences more meaningful and comfortable.
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What is a doula and what role do they play?
A doula is a person trained to provide emotional, practical, and physical support during various life events. The most common context is childbirth, but they can also help with bereavement and death. They do not act as a therapist or psychologist but as a complement to the care and treatment already provided.
Types of support
New expectant parents experience a mixture of intense feelings before birth. A professional and trained doula can be there to offer various forms of support such as:
- Emotional support: offering calm and reassurance throughout the birthing process
- Physical support: providing pain relief techniques, breathing, and positions
- Informative support: preparing parents about what to expect during and after birth
Death doulas are trained to help individuals and their families navigate the dying process with dignity and care. They provide support, guidance and communication until the end.
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A doula can be an invaluable source of support and comfort during challenging times such as births and deaths. If you feel this is something that could be helpful to you, don’t hesitate to take the first step and book a session with a doula through our website.
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8 common questions about doulas
What is a doula?
A doula is a person who offers emotional, practical, and physical support to help someone during a major event such as a birth or death. The aim is to make the difficult process easier and more comfortable for everyone involved.
How can a doula help during childbirth?
During childbirth, a doula’s presence provides a sense of security and calm. They can offer breathing and relaxation techniques, positioning advice, and other methods of pain relief.
Are there doulas who specialize in palliative care?
Yes, some doulas specialize in supporting people at the end of life. Their role focuses on relieving emotional and physical discomfort during the dying process. They can also help with other tasks related to the end of life such as sorting belongings, writing letters, or cleaning.
What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?
While a midwife has medical training and is responsible for the physical health of mothers and babies, a doula focuses on emotional and psychological support. They do not perform medical procedures or make medical decisions.
How do I find a doula?
You can find a doula here at Lavendla. Book a session today to see if it suits your needs and wishes.
Are doula services expensive?
The cost of a doula varies depending on experience, services and location.
What training is required to become a doula?
There are no strict regulations or qualifications for doulas in the United States at this time. However, many doulas choose to enroll in a certification program such as those provided through DONA (Doulas of North America) or local hospitals and birthing centers.
Can a doula help online or does it have to be on-site?
Many doulas offer online services, which can be especially valuable if you live in an area with limited access. However, online support may be less effective than physical presence, depending on your specific needs.
