The word ‘Doula’ comes from the ancient Greek word that means “servant” – infact, the Doula was considered to be the favourite maid of the noble dames, chosen to support and help them throughout their maternity journey. According to a myth, the first Doula, named Galati, helped Alcmena give birth safely to Hercules, with her mindful presence and fine intuition.
In today’s world, a Doula is a trustworthy companion during your pregnancy and motherhood journey. She is someone who will stand by your side, be your shoulder to lean on when you need one, will help and guide you to take the best decisions for your personal well being.
Doulas prepare you for the much awaited moment of birth, as well as for your life with your new baby. A Doula’s main aim is to help you achieve the best childbirth experience possible.
A Doula is someone who will never judge your way of wanting to do things during labour and delivery, she is always there to support your decisions and choices.
But what does a Doula do exactly?
A Doula’s support is as flexible. This is because she knows that every woman has different needs.
The following are some examples of the kind of support that a Doula can offer:
- A Doula’s can provide emotional support and care, to you, the expecatant mum. Through her presence, active listening, massage, meditation she gently and knowingly encourages you to face your doubts and fears, to rest when needed, and to nurture yourself both mentally and physically.
- A Doula provides you with all the right information, explaining the different options available to enable you to make the best decisions according to your personal needs.
- During labour and birth, the Doula is a reassuring familiar presence and she never interferes with the midwives and doctors’ work. Her role is to provide you with continuous assistance, care, reassurance, and she can help you to better manage your pain during labour and delivery.
- A Doula supports you in your personal choices during labour and delivery and is there to ensure you feel empowered and in control and able to fulfill those choices.
- A Doula also offers post-partum support through practical support with the baby and any other siblings. Breast/bottle feeding, aromatherapy advice, practical help with the house, meal preparation/organization, post-partum specific food advice and remedies, basic relaxing massages, emotional support, and all that is needed to improve your motherhood experience.
- Some Doulas specialize in pre and post-natal massage.
There is a popular explanation that says that Doulas are like mountain guides… they don’t walk for you, but they help you – step by step – and they stay by your side and guide you when the path gets difficult.
They remind you to look at the beauty of the passage while you’re sweating to get to the top. Their presence provides the reassurance you need so you have your mind at least and can enjoy your journey and ensure you get to your destination in a safe manner.
Chiara Cortesi is a trained and certified doula with the Italian association MondoDoula. She has been living in Malta since 2015. Her aim as a doula is to make each woman’s motherhood experience, from pregnancy and into the baby’s first year of life, the best one possible.
