The Ins and Outs of Being a Doula

A doula is a Greek word meaning "woman servant." Doulas are trained professionals helping and guiding a woman and her partner through childbirth. A doula provides a continuous presence during labor and delivery as she takes care of a mother's emotional and non-medical needs.

ARE YOU DOULA MATERIAL?

Do you pick up childbirth magazines, immediately turning to the labor section, and you aren't even pregnant? Do you long to talk to anyone who is pregnant? I was this way before I became a doula or labor assistant. When I was looking for a new career path after the birth of my second child, I came across a doula when I was waiting in line to register my son for preschool. I was in a certified doula training class a month later and have never looked back. Now, I want to help other women who are passionate about childbirth and want to pursue a life change into the doula world. Once you decide that you want to become a doula, you will never be the same person again.

ALL NIGHTERS AND SHORT DELIVERIES

No one can prepare you for the all nighters. This is the hardest part of being a doula. You are consistently offering massage, suggestions on positioning and explanations of medical procedures throughout the night. You do all this with a smile on your face and a positive attitude. Some labors will take you through two whole nights. Try doing this when you are not a coffee drinker.

Some deliveries are long, some are short. This helps balance your doula practice. Thirty-six hours or 4 hours, either way you walk away from the delivery on a natural high. You feel on top of the world because you were apart of an extraordinary experience. You were able to provide assistance to a laboring mother and serve in a unique way.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The first thing you have to do is check into a certified doula program with CAPPA, Doulas of North America(DONA) and Lamaze International for local trainings. Get involved with local doula groups for support and friendship. Read everything you can get your hands on and talk to every pregnant woman you find.

Julie L. Johnson is a wife and mother of three who has experienced every pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and breastfeeding situation there is and has lived to tell about. She is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Doula and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant practicing in Southern California. Her website http://www.birth-angel.com provides services and products to help ease transition through motherhood. The products also make great doula "Thank You" gifts or for a baby shower.

---

The Pregnancy Glow and Other Myths of Motherhood

It happened during the ninth month of my first pregnancy.... Read More

Exercising After Pregnancy

Generally most women can begin a formal exercise program within... Read More

Labor and Delivery

This is it - the finish line. You and your... Read More

Hyperpigmentation - Skin Discoloration - Pregnancy Mask

First and foremost I want to start by emphasizing that... Read More

How To Avoid Post Partum Depression

New mothers sometimes experience "postpartum blues." This is understandable. Pregnancy... Read More

Pregnancy and Exercise, How to Stay Fit While Being Pregnant

EXERCISE SAFELYThe first thing to understand when you exercise during... Read More

Glutathione for a Healthier Pregnancy

All parents-to-be nurture the dream of a healthy pregnancy and... Read More

Train While You Gain - Why a Personal Trainer Can Make a Difference During Your Pregnancy

The average woman will gain between 25 and 30 pounds... Read More

Pregnancy, Diabetes, and Your Feet

There are so many changes the body undergoes during pregnancy... Read More

Coping With an Unplanned Pregnancy

Your period is late and you start to think maybe... Read More

Common Sense Approach To Weight Loss After A Pregnancy

Every woman gains weight while she is pregnant. This is... Read More

Pregnant? Did You Know You Can Begin Bonding as Early as 8 Weeks into Pregnancy?

Maybe someone you know has rented or purchased a fetal... Read More

Get Back Your Pre-Pregnancy Abs With Side Planks

The foundation of fitness for a mom is her abdominal... Read More

What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic is another way of saying "out of place". An... Read More

Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Choosing The Right Foods

So you need to gain weight but don't want to... Read More

Successful Weight Loss After Pregnancy

How fast you lose weight will depend on a number... Read More

Exercise During Pregnancy

One of the best things you can do for yourself... Read More

Five Ways to Read Your Bodys Changes before Pregnancy Test

What are the most unforgettable changes happen to your body... Read More

Your Role as an Expectant Father

Quite often expectant fathers get bent out of shape over... Read More

Vacation Is One Way To Run Away From Stress During Pregnancy

What should you do to have a happy pregnancy? Many... Read More

Is a Healthy Pregnancy Possible After Gastric Bypass Surgery?

When a woman in the child bearing years undergoes gastric... Read More

The Developing Child

We know the fetus is experiencing whatever is going on... Read More

Benefits of Exercise When Pregnant

Exercising during pregnancy is always a very good idea, and... Read More

Expressing Breast Milk: Pumping for Your Preemie

The shock and stress of having a baby born prematurely... Read More

Calcium and Pregnancy

Studies show that most women do not get enough daily... Read More

Alcohol And Pregnancy

If you have been drinking up until the point when... Read More

Avoiding Episiotomy During Childbirth

I coached as my wife was delivering our third child.... Read More

Very Early Signs of Pregnancy - Do You Know the 10 Pregnancy Signs?

Very early signs of pregnancy - are there 10 pregnancy... Read More

The Truth About Labor and Childbirth

Labor and childbirth was an amazing, positive experience for me,... Read More

Kegel Exercise for a Healthy Pregnancy

With Kegal exercise, your pregnancy can be more comfortable before,... Read More

The Stages of Pregnancy

There are three distinct stages of pregnancy, called trimesters, each... Read More

Feeling Sexy During Pregnancy

Some people think that the word sexy and pregnancy do... Read More

How to Lose Weight After Pregnancy

Weight control is a prevalent concern for many women after... Read More