What Is A Doula?

Literally the word "doula", which comes from the Greek, means a woman care-giver of another woman, or a woman slave meant to anticipate the needs of the women she served.

Today, the Birth Doula is a woman who helps a woman and her partner through labour and the birth of their child. The doula's role is to bring experience to the birth place and to facilitate and enhance the roles of others present.

With Nurturing Touch your doula will be there during your pregnancy to assist you with your birth preparations, she will help you to gather information about options and choices and she is there as a gentle guide during labour - providing uninterrupted emotional, physical and informational support. She suggests comfort measures such as positioning, relaxation, and breathing to help your labour progress. She strives to meet your needs at all times, sometimes even before you recognize them yourself. She also provides massage, verbal and emotional encouragement, and current information so that you are able to make informed choices regarding any interventions which may be suggested along the way. Think of it as having childbirth education in your back pocket!

Our goal at Nurturing Touch is not to help you achieve a medication free birth (unless of course, that is also your goal), but to assist you in having an empowering and memorable birth regardless of which options you choose. After all, this is your birth!

After your baby is born your doula also acts as a mentor and resource in the early postpartum period, giving a hand with positioning and latch during initial breastfeeding and answering any questions the new parents may have regarding normal newborn behaviour and baby care.