Dule Dule

Doule is a Greek word meaning a woman's helper. Women have served other women during childbirth for centuries and have proven that the support of another woman has a positive effect on the birth process.

What is doule

Dule is a professional birth educator who provides emotional, physical and informational support to a mother who is expecting, going through labor or has recently given birth. The purpose of the doula is to help women have a safe experience in childbirth. Most commonly, the term doule refers to a doule in childbirth. However, there are both prenatal and postnatal doules. Most of the following information pertains to the birth doula. She is also referred to as birth companion, birth specialist support, birth technical support specialist, midwife and labor assistant.

What does the doule do

Most doules start a relationship with a client a few months before the baby is born. During this period, they develop a relationship where the mother freely asks questions, voices her fears and concerns, and takes an active part in creating the birth plan. Most Dule often talk to mothers on the phone to answer her questions or explain any events that may occur during the course of the pregnancy. Dule does not provide any type of medical care. However, they are knowledgeable about many of the medical aspects of childbirth. Consequently, they can help their clients gain a better understanding of procedures and possible complications in late pregnancy or childbirth.

During childbirth, she is in constant and close proximity to the mother. She has the ability to provide comfort with pain relief techniques that include breathing techniques, relaxation techniques, massage, and birth positions. Doule also encourages the husband's participation and gives confidence. Dule acts as an advocate for the mother, encouraging and helping her fulfill specific desires she might have in childbirth. The purpose of the doula is to help the mother experience a positive and safe birth, whether it be a drug-free birth or a caesarean section. After birth, many birth dule will spend some time helping the mother begin the breastfeeding process.

For a woman who is preparing for a planned caesarean section, a doula can be helpful in providing ongoing support and encouragement. Often, caesarean section results are unexpected, leaving mothers feeling unprepared, frustrated, and alone. The doule will be attentive to the mother throughout the birth, during the caesarean section, letting them know what is going on throughout the procedure. This can free up the partner to attend to the baby and accompany the newborn to the nursery if there are complications.

Types of doule

There are three types of Dule: Antenatal, present during labor and postpartum:

Antenatal Dule: Provides help and support to a mother who is on bed rest or experiencing pregnancy complications. They provide informational, emotional, physical and practical support in times of emotional stress.

Postpartum doule: will provide help and support to the mother, in the first weeks after childbirth. It provides information support about feeding and child care. She provides physical support by helping around the household - cooking, cleaning, etc. when the new mother needs rest. Also emotional support, encouraging mom during those times when she feels bad.

Some Dule are trained in more than one area and are able to help in all three areas.

Doule Search

The most important thing in choosing a doule is to find a person with whom you feel comfortable and who gives you confidence. Most doula do not charge for an initial consultation, so take the time to consult for as long as you need to while you are looking for someone who meets your needs.

Potential doule questions:

What training do you have?

What services do you provide?

What are your fees?

Are they available for my time of need?

What made you become a doule?

What is your philosophy regarding childbirth?

Could you meet with me before the baby is born to discuss my birth plan?

What happens if for some reason you are not available at the time of my birth?