"There is powerful evidence that having a woman with you who is not part of the hospital institution, and who focuses on giving you one-to-one continuing support, makes birth more satisfying, and safer for mother and baby"            

Sheila Kitzinger, The New Experience of Childbirth (Orion 2004)

About doulas

'Doula' is an ancient Greek word meaning 'with women' or 'in the service of women'. Today, it is used to describe a woman experienced in childbirth who provides emotional and practical support to other women during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. In traditional cultures, women can rely on the help of other female relatives and friends around the time of childbirth. This is not always the case in our modern world. A doula can provide you with consistent emotional support and compassion as you make the transition to motherhood.  We are doulas because we feel that women deserve this kind of support, whatever their birth preferences or personal circumstances.

During pregnancy, your doula will probably wish to meet with you at least two to three times in order to get to know you, work through fears and concerns from any previous birth experiences, and help you develop an approach to birth that makes you feel respected, safe, and empowered.  At the birth itself, your doula will provide you with comfort, encouragement, and practical suggestions, as well as providing your partner with support and breaks as needed.  Many doulas in our network also offer complementary therapies such as aromatherapy, massage, homeopathy, etc

After the birth, you will have the opportunity to talk through your experience with your doula.  All doulas provide varying measures of postnatal support, with some doulas specialising in that area.  A postnatal doula is likely to provide you with breastfeeding support, practical help around the home, and - perhaps most importantly - a listening and sympathetic ear.

Above all, your doula care is dictated by your own needs and wishes.  Whatever your views on pregnancy and birth, your doula is there to serve as your advocate.  Please feel free to contact any member of the Scottish Doula Network if you would like to know more.

Click here to see a recent study on doulas in Sweden

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SCOTTISH DOULA NETWORK

 ETHICAL STATEMENT