What is "Woman to Woman, Hand in Hand"?

"Woman to Woman, Hand in Hand" is no longer active. However we invite you to read through the information on this site.  If you are looking for a Doula, please visit DONA.org (international) or PADANC.org (North Carolina)

What is a "Doula"?

The word "doula" comes from ancient Greek and is now used to refer to someone experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.

A birth doula:

• Recognizes childbirth 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 the birth
  
• Stays with the woman throughout her 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 decisions
• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her support partner(s), and clinical care providers
• Percieves her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of her birth experience
• Allows the woman's support partner(s) to participate at their own comfort levels

Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are short with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.