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You are here: Home / Define Doula / There are Many Unique Ways to Define Doula

There are Many Unique Ways to Define Doula

September 28, 2016

There Are Many Unique Ways to Define Doula

How would you define doula? If words like “house elf” or “super hero” don’t come to mind, you may not be seeing the whole picture!

At the International Doula Institute, we define doula in our Scope of Practice as:

“A professional support person trained in the needs of the family during pregnancy and childbirth. The doula offers non-judgmental support, guidance, evidence based education and practical hands-on support during childbirth including comfort measures. Doula originates from the Greek word meaning woman servant. A birth doula recognizes the profound impact of childbirth on the mother.”

What exactly does that mean? What does a doula do?

Doulas do a lot of things. It’s one of the wonderful things about being a doula. Within  the scope of practice, there is room for fluidity. At the heart of it, being a doula means providing support. But, not all clients want or need to be supported in the same way. Therefore, there are many unique ways to define doula. Some of them may surprise you!

A Search Engine

Doulas are a resource. A fountain of knowledge about all things relating to babies, birth, and postpartum. Just like Google, a doula is there to answer all your questions.

A Fairy Godmother

They may not have magic wands, but doulas absolutely grant their client’s wishes. Doulas understand that woman go through a lot during birth and postpartum recovery, and they strive to make mothers as comfortable and happy as possible. No matter what, their focus is 100% on their client’s needs and they do their best to fulfill their requests.

A House Elf

Taking a cue from the house elves at Hogwarts, a doula will make sure their client’s home is tidy. If mom, dad, and baby are resting, a postpartum doula keeps busy around the house making sure dishes are done, clothes are folded, and everything is tidy. Having an organized home takes away stress from a new family as they adjust to life with their new family member.

A Journal

If a new mom is feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or worried about her upcoming labor or bringing home her baby, doulas want to hear about it. They can help reassure a new mom or simply be a listening ear. Most importantly, clients can trust that anything they share with their doula in confidence will end there. No lock or key required.

A Cheerleader

Doulas don’t carry pompoms in their doula bag, but you can bet that no one will be cheering for a laboring mother more sincerely than their doula. During birth, a doula strives to be a positive energy in the room. No matter how a mother chooses to birth, they will do their best to ensure the best possible outcome.

A Superhero

Did you know that doulas have superpowers? Birth doulas have the strength and endurance to support a mother physically throughout labor (sometimes up to 24 hours!). Postpartum doulas can save the day when new parents need an extra set of hands or a few extra hours of sleep. No cape needed!

A Swiss Army Knife

Any tool a mother needs, a doula will have readily available. From a warm rice sock to soothe a sore back during labor, to birth ball to use to help a mother into a more comfortable position during contractions, and everything in between. Doulas are always prepared.

The ways to define doula don’t end there. You’ll learn much more once you begin your birth and postpartum doula training with the International Doula Institute. We can’t wait to what the word “doula” means to you!

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Testimonials

Tracy tells us,
“This course was informative and educational. I enjoyed learning how to become a doula.”

Patricia shared, 
“This course was great. I loved how easy it is to use, as someone who is not very technologically inclined. The coursework was challenging and I learned so much. My instructor was always very easy to reach and very responsive to any issues I had. I loved being able to work at my own pace and skip around a bit. Videos are hard for me as I am very self-conscious so it was nice to be able to postpone them for a bit until I could really practice and feel my best. ”

Judith shared, 
“The instructors and course materials/videos were all so wonderful and informative. I truly feel very well equipped with all the knowledge and tools I now have to start as a full spectrum doula with multiple certifications under my belt. Thank you, IDI, from the bottom of my heart. My true passion is blossoming before my very eyes!”

Miranda tells us, 
“I started my training at IDI almost a year ago. The courses have given me exactly what I needed to become a confident doula! After looking at several different doula training programs I decided on IDI because I have two young children and could work at my own pace online. I also really liked that the curriculum was contributed to by different backgrounds and trainings, not only from one perspective. This program has offered more to me than I ever could have thought! Not only have I learned how to support Moms and families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum but I’ve been given tools in growing my reach and communication… just to name a few. There’s also huge support from other doulas in the program. I recommend this program to future doulas!”

Mary says, 
“Started my journey (with admitted fear) only a month ago and felt immediately at ease! This program is very fluid. Work at your own pace. Easy to reach help and support the whole way through. Everything you need to know to hit the ground running with confidence once certified.”

Brenda tells us, 
“My name is Brenda and I have been studying with IDI for a while now, looking forward to the Postpartum course also. I have found the studies, books, and information to feel well rounded in information and comprehensive. I love all the books they have chosen for my studies. Also, the opportunity to be hands-on with the additional class, interviews, videos, and Moms-to-be. This is a part of the program that brings all the reading, studying…everything to light! The teachers are kind, understanding and obviously VERY experienced and can guide and support me throughout this wonderful journey of certification to be a “Doula” I’m so happy I chose IDI to be my training! Thank you!!!! I look forward to the future!♡”

Joyce says, 
“I love being a student with IDI!”

Laura tells us,
” Easy to do at my own pace, good supplemental readings. ”

Hannah tells us,
” Hey this is Hannah! I’m SOO excited to have finished my courses & have become a CERTIFIED DOULA! I almost can’t believe I have that title, with my name!!! This has been a lifelong dream. I’m very grateful to have been able to do it online, as I am a stay-at-home mom to 7 amazing children. It was very convenient for me to work on, as I had quiet time, during my little’s naps. Having been through labor, birth & breastfeeding stages of my life, helped tremendously. However, it was a very practical course & easy to understand the instructions. I highly recommend IDI to anyone who is interested in becoming a doula!! Thank you, IDI!!! ”

Tatyana says,
“I enjoyed everything about this course. Very informative and detailed.”

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