Type in a career question:
salary_header

What is a Doula?

1 Answer(s)
Top Answer
Talent.com talent.com
Answered February 09 2021
Career Expert at Talent.com
A Doula is a birthing expert who acts as a source of support for expecting parents. Doulas are not medically trained and are not responsible for providing medical care or child delivery. However, they are present before, during, and after the birthing process. A Doula has a stronger focus on the mother's emotional health versus other birthing professionals who may focus more on labor and delivery alone.   
   
Doulas offer their support throughout an entire pregnancy, which differs from a midwife or doctor who may only be present during certain stages. Traditionally, Doula's meet expecting parents before birth, attend the labor and delivery process and make post-labor visits to ensure that everything is running smoothly.   
   
Doulas can specialize in particular areas. The most common include the birthing Doula and the Postpartum Doula.    
   
Doulas listen to the different needs of delivering and expectant mothers, offering their care and support. You might say that they are labor companions or birth assistants. The goal of a Doula is to provide expecting parents with the smoothest transition possible into parenthood.     

Personality of a Doula 

  • They are compassionate  
Doulas must provide a feeling of comfort and compassion to the individuals and families they assist. It's one of the most important character traits a Doula should possess since the role and accompanying responsibilities demand making clients feel supported and comfortable. Doulas must be emotionally present and empathetic throughout their journey with expecting mothers.  

  • They are encouraging  
As a support source for expecting parents, a Doula needs to encourage the parents about giving birth and the next chapter with their baby. Along with being educated about what the mother will expect, they need to act as a positive and reliable source of reinforcement throughout pregnancy. Giving birth can be a painful and challenging process, so the Doula must encourage the mothers through the entire process.  

  • They are patient  
Being a Doula means that you work alongside an expecting parent throughout their pregnancy and during the birth. The labor process will vary for each woman, although it can take hours. Doulas need to be patient throughout the entire process, no matter how long it takes.
Easteregg!