Doula?

The word has come to refer to "a woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and just after childbirth." The word,"doula, "comes from the Greek word for the most important female slave or servant in an ancient Greek household,the woman who probably helped the lady of the house through her childbearing. (Klaus, Kennel and Klaus, Mothering the Mother)

Above is the most common definition of a doula that you will find. I think that DONA's position paper on doulas offers a great explanation of what a doula is.

More importantly, I want you to see what a doula is!

A doula is supportive...
		A doula is relaxing....
A doula is stabilizing....
		A doula is encouraging....
A doula is respectful....
		A doula is observant....
A doula is joyful....
		A doula is awed....
A doula is informative....
		A doula is trusting....
A doula is proud....
		A doula is a friend....