Engaging a doula Download our BUMPWATCH Pregnancy Tracker.
Everything there is to know week by week. FREE Doula is a Greek
word adopted for 'birth assistant'. The role of a doula is to
provide social support for birthing women. This can include
physical comfort, emotional support, information and advocacy.
The aim of a doula is to give the type of lay support that has
been historically provided by a female member of an extended
family. This ranges from giving you a massage to helping you
focus on your breathing. A doula may even be able to help you
begin breastfeeding your baby. In Australia, a growing number of
women employ doulas to be with them during labour and offer
support post-natal. Doulas who accept lay supportive roles may
have undertaken some form of training organised by independent
providers but be aware that this training is not regulated or
compulsory. A doula should not be used as a substitute for a
trained midwife. Getting the right support - both physically and
emotionally - during labour an