World Doula Week | Barefoot Birth Doula Support | What is a Doula?
What is a Doula? If you’re pregnant and on the internet you may have come across the word “Doula”, questioning what they are, and what they do, but also, “do I need one?!”
A doula is a person who provides emotional, informational, and physical support during your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Ok, but what does that mean?
It means unconditional support. Regardless of whether you want an epidural, a c-section, or to give birth in a birth tub in your living room. They know you are the best one to make decisions for your body and your baby. Doulas provide tools and evidence based information along the way, supporting YOU, and your choices.
It means strength. Doulas are some of the strongest people we know! They provide counter-pressure for hours. They hold you up when you feel like you have nothing more to give. They stand with you, they sway with you, they squat with you. They do all of these things while also including your partner and helping them help you, encouraging you. "You can do this." "You are doing this." "Your body and your baby are working together." "We are here with you. We aren't leaving you. You are not alone."
It means companionship. The nitty gritty and the “ride or die” kind but birth style.. Can you imagine not having to edit anything that comes out of your mouth during your birth?? Doulas get it. Doulas honor it. Doulas are in it with you. Doulas move hair out of your face intuitively. Get hot or cold packs. Feed you. Offer hydration. Doulas say, “ok” to requests that may seem odd to an outside perspective, understanding it’s not about appearances, it’s about your experience! Doulas receive pictures of mucus plugs without blinking an eye. Doulas come to your home post-baby and talk about milk, blood, tears. Ones that have been shed or encourage ones that have yet to come but need to. We are there for YOU. Through pregnancy. Through birth. Through postpartum.
Doulas are the fluid between the hard places making them a little softer and the impact easier.
Doulas care and love and believe and know..
They are there every step of the way, anticipating needs, providing unwavering support, and being present for you!
Thank you to all the amazing doulas in our community. Happy World Doula week. We love you!
If you’d like to read more about our Barefoot Birth doulas, Brandi Morales and Vanessa Kekuewa, click here Barefoot Birth provides free consultations in-person and virtually. To schedule please reach out!
