From Webster's:
doula, dou·la ,\ˈdü-lə\ , noun
female helper, maidservant, from Greek doulē female slave
Today, doula is the widely used term for a woman that assists a family during the labor/birth or postpartum period.
I am a DONA certified labor/birth doula and a Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypno-Doula as well as a DONA trained postpartum doula.
As a birth doula, I believe that my role is to guide the mother through the birthing process. I am there to help nurture the family unit - mother and partner. I don't want to detract from the role of the primary birth coach. I can help guide the mother and her coach on more effective techniques for coping with her birthing time. I help the coach better serve the mother's needs, in whatever manner necessary. I will draw on my life experience and training to provide emotional and physical support for mother and partner.
I will be there for you during your prenatal period, birthing and with you in the hospital for about two hours postpartum. I will help you settle in and make sure that breastfeeding is established. We will also meet after your birth to discuss your feelings and bask in the glow of the birth experience. I am also on call, via phone or email, for any questions you have at any point.
As a postpartum doula, I am there to help you through the fourth trimester. Those first 12 weeks at home bring many transitions: integrating a baby into the home, motherhood, fatherhood, big brothers and sisters, breastfeeding. I am there to help you navigate that time and find ways to make day-to-day life a bit easier with your new family unit. I offer breastfeeding support, light housekeeping, cooking, organization and whatever other emotional support you might need.
I am an active member of the Central Texas Doula Association (CTDA), currently serving as their webmaster and secretary. I volunteer my services on an emergency basis through Giving Austin Labor Support (GALS). I firmly believe in the value of experienced labor and postpartum support and want to make sure that all women, who want it, have access to that support.