What is a doula? What are the different types of doulas?
Doula, pronounced doo’-la, is a Greek word which has come to mean: “a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after childbirth.” (Klaus, Kennell, & Klaus: Mothering the Mother) A birth doula is a woman who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth. A postpartum doula is a woman who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period. A certified doula is one who has some kind of formal training and experience.
