Who is the Doula? Here is the profile of the women who assist and support mothers

Many of you may not have heard of it, but there is a professional care figure - Doula, also called Mother Assistant - who supports women during pregnancy, childbirth and in the postnatal period.

The word "doula" comes from the Greek, and refers to a woman who is in the service of "another woman; the" anthropologist Dana Raphael first used this term, to refer to mothers already with dependent offspring, who assisted the new -mothers in breastfeeding and infant care in the Philippines.

The Doula does not replace medical staff or family members, but supports them, to provide material and above all psychological help to the woman who is about to give birth and also in the first delicate stages of starting the mother-child relationship.

See also

Doula meaning: who is and why is it important during pregnancy

Phrases about pregnancy: the most beautiful to dedicate to mothers

Pacifier: practical tips for moms (and dads)

The main role of a Doula is to offer understanding and support, taking care of the physical and above all emotional well-being of the pregnant woman, who is experiencing a special and certainly beautiful period, but who is also facing problems, pain and fears.

For this reason the Doulas have an important role, especially towards women at risk due to disadvantaged socio-economic conditions and who have difficulty in accessing health services.

In the United States and Canada, Doulas are widely used, even in hospitals, and supported by various organizations, often linked by solid networks.

What a Doula does

• Provides emotional support;
• Gives tips to make pregnancy and childbirth more comfortable for the woman;
• Helps in preparing a birth plan;
• Use massage and other non-pharmacological care measures in order to relieve the pain of childbirth, for example aromatherapy;
• It suggests positions to the woman during labor and delivery;
• Gives support to the partner during birth;
• Helps to avoid unnecessary interventions;
• Promotes breastfeeding and supports it;
• Some doulas also offer a written memory of the birth (a kind of diary).