You may be surprised who may or may not know what exactly a doula is. While in some circles and cultures it may be common knowledge, in others, it’s a completely foreign idea. The word ‘Doula’ is Greek and means slave or woman who serves, and indeed doula’s do serve. Essentially a doula is Team Mommy from birth to breastfeeding. Often times, once a child is born, the focus shifts immediately from mommy to baby. You are the star of your doula’s show, the apple of their eye, and their primary focus to ensure your physical and mental wellbeing are stable. The approach to achieving this at 9 Digit Care is to ensure you’re aware of your options at all times. Informed consent is often overlooked, but doula’s are Legal Observers and are here to make sure you and baby are under safe care.
Many doula’s are often also trained in some sort of lactation wether its formal training as a CLC, CLE, CLEC, CBS, CCL, CBC, IBCLC or as a Peer Counselor, having breastfed themselves. I bet you had no idea there were so many different types and levels of support available to you! If your doula has no experience they may have resources available and should be able to help point you in the right direction. If you are, or are planning to be a breastfeeding family, make sure to include this in your list of questions for your potential doula so you may choose someone who best suits your needs.
Along with emotional and breastfeeding support, your doula will be able to help with pain management. Trained doula’s are taught the anatomy of the body and learn how to physically maneuver the body to assist with progressing labor. Your doula can coach your partner, assist, or do the techniques themselves. It’s all a matter of what YOU want. Most importantly a doula respects your birthing space and maintains order. I’m sure we can all find value in that!
Now that we know what a doula IS, allow me to explain what a doula is NOT. A Doula is NOT
- A doctor
- A midwife
- Your decision maker
- Going to do a vaginal exam
- Intentionally there to catch your baby*
Here at 9 Digit Care, I am advocate for birthing on your own terms, period. However, I am not yet comfortable attending unassisted births at this time. Though I am willing to cater to your birth needs at a home birth, if I arrive and there is no medical professional on site such as a doctor or a midwife, I will call an ambulance for assistance. I am NOT a trained medical professional. I am a doula, a Birth Worker and if I’m good at it, eventually your friend.
*Please be advised that I am not trained to catch your baby. I am here to provide emotional support and to ensure you have a safe birth and 4th trimester.
9 Digit Care 