What is a Doula?



Experienced Support 

A doula helps moms be their best!

Main Line Doulas vigorously selects and trains our birth and postpartum doulas from Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, so when you go with MLD, you know that you are getting the very best care available to you.

There are two different kinds of doulas.

  1. A doula that helps you during pregnancy and the birth of your baby. A birth doula.
AND
     2. A doula who helps you in your home during   the day or overnight after baby is born.  A postpartum doula.



What is a Postpartum Doula?


International Doula Institute defines a postpartum doula as a professional support person trained in the needs of the family in the days, weeks and months after birth or the addition of a new baby.  The doula offers non-judgmental support, guidance, evidence based education and practical hands-on support immediately after birth through the first year. Doula originates from the Greek word meaning woman servant.


A postpartum doula will do everything to educate and care for the mom, partner, baby, home and siblings. We help your home run smoothly as you make this transition, from laundry, dishes, light housework, meal preparation, food shopping, sibling support and guidance, to education, and newborn care overnight to help you get well rested for the next day. 

Click here for the benefits of a postpartum doula.

What is a birth doula?

From DONA's website:

"What is a doula?

The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
A Birth Doula
  • Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
  • Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
  • Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
  • Stays with the woman throughout the labor
  • Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision
  • Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
  • Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
  • Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level

Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders."