When we found out that you were coming to us, I knew I would have to have a doula. I wanted to make sure that your Soul Papa and I would be led into this experience with a woman experienced in childbirth herself, and who has been witness to many other births. The odds that our midwife has not had children herself is quite high, but her role is quite different to a doula's.
What's a doula?
According to Wikipedia:
A doula (pronounced "doó la",[1] also known as a labour coach[2] and originating from the Ancient Greek word δούλη meaning female servant or slave[3]) is a nonmedical person who assists a woman before, during, or after childbirth, as well as her partner and/or family by providing information, physical assistance, and emotional support.[1] The provision of continuous support during labour by doulas, or nurses, family, or friends, is associated with improved maternal and fetal health and a variety of other benefits.[1][4]
Why have a doula?
Perhaps having Soul Papa there plus the midwife would likely be enough - but if the midwife is looking after me, who is looking after your Soul Papa? And if someone is looking after you, and Soul Papa has to go along, who will be with me? Because childbirth is so new to both of us, we want to be as prepared and supported as possible. In addition, we have the post-natal nurse who actually assists the midwife, and the doula assists the parents. It's a great system, particularly in a home birth situation.
What do we expect from the doula?
She will be there from the moment we call her (she does live in Belgium, but just over the border). She will be as present or as invisible as we wish; she will safeguard the wishes in our birth plan (or as she calls it, a wish list), and she will explain what is happening to me - to your Soul Papa - and she will suggest ways that we can alleviate discomfort or fear during the process. I expect that the birth will go smoother and with fewer complications with her being with us - that's what research/testimonials say. She will also come visit us after the birth to help us process the emotions that we'd have experienced during the labour and birth. It's a really complete service. We have already met her and had lots of emails and phone calls. I'm looking forward to the birth, not only because we'll be meeting you (!) but because I think we are using all the best tools and caregivers within our reach, and they all are focused on making sure that we stay connected with you while you make your way into the world!
lots of love
your Soul Mama
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