What is a Birth Doula and why should I become one?
Doulas help pregnancy and childbirth be the positive experience it is meant to be!
Ask any mother… “Did you have all your physical and emotional needs met during your pregnancy, labour, birth and beyond?” and there is a very high chance she will say NO!”
Also go ahead and ask her “Would you have loved to have had a woman assisting you during your labour and birth?” and there is a very strong chance she will reply with “Well my partner was ok and meant well, BUT yes I wish I’d had more help both during the birth with massage, guidance, acupressure points, suggestions to get in the shower, bath and to move around, also afterwards as well during the first year or so…”
Birth Doulas (also called Childbirth Assistants, Labour Support Professionals, Birth Assistants, or Birth Companions) provide emotional, physical and informational support during pregnancy, labour, birth and immediate postpartum.
Doulas are professionally trained women who provide comfort measures and support before, during, and after delivery.
Research has shown that doulas help women have positive birth experiences, decrease the need for pain medication, improve breastfeeding success, and reduce the need for cesarean sections and other invasive procedures.
No not at all. It would be helpful if you have a current first Aid certificate but not essential, though I would recommend obtaining it over the next year.
No not necessary, as the most important aspect is to be empathetic and compassionate. Experience can be helpful of course, so if you’ve had a baby great, if you haven’t had a baby that’s great too.
No. This is a completely unregulated industry, so you do not have re-registration fees, no you don’t have to buy insurance. Nothing is compulsory. Julie does guide all her trainee doulas through ethics, yes to ensure a smooth life as a Doula.
