What Is a Doula?

"What's a Doula?" is a question, as a Doula for 14 years, that I get all too often. So, let me explain.

A Doula by definition is a servant. It is based on the practice from long ago that a laboring woman was always attended by the other woman in the household. Having said that, in modern times a Doula is a trained certified professional who assists women in birth.

We assist women in the following ways:

Physical Support:  We are trained to use what we call "comfort measures" which can be massage techniques and positioning that is not only helpful to ease discomfort but to speed up labor.  Also knowing when it is beneficial to get into the tub or shower. 

Emotional Support: We are mostly women who have been through labor ourselves and can be there to encourage, care and give compassionate support throughout all of labor and birth.

Informational Support: We are very familiar with not only hospital procedures but with most all interventions that may be used during labor and birth. We give our clients this information so that they can make informed decisions about the care they receive.

As a Doula I believe in what I do and in its value to the women I serve. I also believe that with the care and compassion that a Doula provides birth can be a wonderful, fulfilling and satisfying experience.

If you would like to learn more, feel free to contact me.  diannelentine@gmail.com  

-Dianne Lentine, CLD, CCCE 

Director of Lumina Birth Gwinnett