In recent years, the term doula has resurfaced and the concept has been perceived as a new-age trend. What is important to know is that the idea of a doula is actually an ancient one. ‘The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period (www.DONA.org).
Our grandparents’ generation mostly birthed at home, sometimes only with the help of a family member or midwife, without medication, and they used cloth diapers and breastfed because simply there were no other alternatives. Our parents’ generation had a big movement towards all of what modern medicine and life had to offer. It was considered okay to smoke and maybe even drink while pregnant. Many mothers chose to be heavily medicated through childbirth and were relieved with the invention of disposable diapers and formula because, let’s face it, women were trying furiously to get back to work and shatter that glass ceiling. With every generation there are changes and the saying “history repeats itself” rings very true in the birth and doula world.
Our generation is getting back to basics—we are often seeking out an organic, holistic lifestyle. In childbirth, the preference for a non-medicated, natural birth, maybe even a homebirth, is becoming the norm. Families are choosing breastfeeding over formula feeding once again. Women are seeking the support of a doula in the prenatal, birth and postpartum period knowing how important it is to be heard, understood and supported in a natural way that goes way back to our ancestors through the many generations before us.
This is a positive change and definitely a change in the right direction. ‘Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily’ (www.DONA.org). The risk of postpartum depression is also significantly lowered when there is doula support.
In the past, we had mothers, aunts, sisters to support us and in many instances the extended family lived in the same home or in very close proximity. With today’s ever increasing retirement age, and the vast physical distance that exists between many families this kind of support is not as feasible as it once was. This is leading many women to seek out the help of a doula. A doula cannot and will not replace the support of anyone in your family and doula support as it exists today is different than the family and doula support of the past.
Today, doulas undergo significant training in multiple birth outcomes, comfort measures, massage techniques, breastfeeding, etc. Once training is complete, they must meet guidelines including attending multiple births before being officially certified. Once certified, many doulas continue their education by adding additional certifications and trainings such as: advanced breastfeeding certification, lactation counselor training (CLC), Rebozo certification, childbirth educator certification, and trainings in VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean), birthing multiples, high risk pregnancies, spinning babies, waterbirths, etc. There is a very professional and educated approach to becoming a doula yet the kind, caring, unparalleled support they can offer to the expecting and new mother and family still exists.
By Michelle Radice
Michelle Radice is a doula with Premier Doulas. You can learn more about doula support and read some more interesting articles by visiting our website www.PremierDoulas.com.
