I have been asked over the course of the last several years, “What is a doula?” Three words come to mind: nurture, empower and love. To nurture means to supply with nourishment, educate and to further the development of; empower is to promote the self-actualization or influence; and love is warm attachment, enthusiasm or devotion.
The word “doula” comes from the ancient Greek meaning “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
I loved the time in my life when I was carrying our babies and anticipating each labor and birth. I had very positive birth experiences with a great support team, so it was very natural for me to want to continue to be involved in the world of pregnancy and birth. I had a purpose in my heart to offer that same opportunity to other women. It was after the arrival of my third baby that I was introduced to the term “doula,” and it has grown to be my passion…who I am.
