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Doulas
What is a Doula?
by Kristine Campbell BA CCCE CLE CLD CD(DONA)
Any caring, loving and supportive person can be a doula to another.
Certified Doulas have been trained through a school or international
program, have attended many births and/or done a lot of supporting
of mothers and families. They have been evaluated, trained, agreed
to a scope of practice, code of conduct and grievance procedure.
All international organizations have rigorous, evidence-based standards
in order to confer certification as a doula.
Antepartum Doulas are trained to provide in-home support to mothers
who are on bedrest or have other issues during their pregnancies,
including meal preparation and sibling care, and other household
tasks.
Labor/Birth Doulas are trained to provide labor support to mothers
and families during their labors and births and to assist in helping
to establish a breastfeeding relationship.
Postpartum Doulas are trained to provide in-home support to new
parents, usually including breastfeeding support, newborn care,
sibling care, meal preparation, and other household tasks.
Some doulas are also nurses, midwives and mothers themselves. They
specialize in maternal-child health issues and can help identify
when professional assistance is necessary, referring mothers to
a physician, midwife or community resources such as lactation consultants,
breastfeeding counselors and support groups.
Return to Doulas Listings
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