A Birth Doula is generally used to describe a person who provides emotional and physical support for a labouring mother. How each of us applies this role can be vastly different though.

For some, doula work is about advocacy, helping women to identify their wishes with their caregiver when she is unable to speak up for herself. For others it is about simply being present and holding the space, bearing witness to her birth experience. For most, the roles are multiple and will differ with each client.

Generally a doula may perform the following, depending on what the client is looking for:

• massage, relaxation, and other comfort measures

• information on options available

• some antenatal education

• a listening ear

• reassurance and encouragement

Most doulas see themselves as providing support to the labouring mother. At every birth you support, your role will be slightly different, depending on the needs of your client. For some women you role will be one of loving support and comfort. For another it will be advocacy and assisting her to empower herself. For another woman it will be to provide information. Most women you work with will want a combination of different things from their doula.

Childbirth International believes that doula work is much more than holding a mom's hand, or recalling the stages of labour. As you join parents on one of the most exciting events of their lives, you will come across a host of parenting styles and choices. During your training you will be encouraged to explore many of these to develop a greater understanding of each perspective, and strive to be accepting of all choices, even those that are out of sync with your own.

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