I LOVE this video. It's from the ToLabor site and think it is a great, quick - concise response to why having a doula at a birth is so important.
Isn't a doula a part of the body? I get that all the time... No, no - a doula attends birth, as a birth advocate - for you. Provides prenatal consultation and aids in postpartum. Isn't that what doctors and nurses do? mmmm... kinda...but not quite the same thing. Doctors, Nurses and Midwives are wonderful people, but are practitioners. They are there to catch babies and watch vital signs of both baby and momma. Doulas... we are different.
We are not a partner, husband or wife. We are not a practitioner. We are compassion. We are love - we are support. We hold your hand when you need it, provide breaks to the partner and make sure your birth is the dance you have designed it to be. We empower.
Having had a natural birth with our son, I understand more than ever - this is a civil right. We had to police our son's birth to be sure we were given the opportunity to have the dance we designed for his birthday. It changed my perspective, my hopes and dreams for myself. I no longer can stand back or keep quiet. I want to be there for other mothers.
Mothers and partners that want to know more about labor and birth. That need postpartum help. I want to provide that love and support - the calm and comfort, empowering them that they are doing this. They are bringing this child into the world and it is the most beautiful and unimaginable opportunity and moment.
For more information about Doulas and my services click here.