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A doula is someone you come to know
well by the time of your birth, and who is there during your labor,
by your side, focused solely on you and your partner. She can
encourage you, remain objective, and help your partner feel more
confident about how to support you. She can also assist you with
practical knowledge on comfort measures for labor, such as massage
and suggestions for positioning. A doula can provide information
when you have questions, and can help you communicate most
effectively with your medical caregivers.
The main focus of a doula's role is
often on the birth itself, but doula support can also be invaluable
during pregnancy (especially if you face questions about tests or
complications), and after the birth when she can help out with
feeding and adjusting to life with a newborn.
There are a few things a doula is
not. She is not acting as a nurse or midwife, so she does not
provide clinical care such as doing examinations on you or checking
your baby's heartbeat. The support a doula provides fits together
with, but does not replace, the care of your doctor, midwife,
or nurses.
Doulas do not make decisions
for you, or speak for you. This is your birth, your baby, your life!
A doula supports you by providing information and explanations you
may want about your choices, but it's always you who decides
what's best for you.
See also:
Why hire a doula?
Choosing a doula
Partners and doulas
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