What is a doula?

A doula is a person who is experienced with helping women prepare for and give birth and continues to be supportive after the birth process. The services of a doula are non-medical, but she can be the communicator among the birth team and a type of advocate or coach for the mother.

The birth process is challenging physically, mentally, and emotionally. Having someone experienced by your side offers reassurance to both the mother and father. The father may be the support person, but he is apt to have no experience with the birth process (unless he is a medical professional).

Some things that a doula might do is help with relaxation techniques, massage, pushing, positioning, and visualization. After the birth she may help with getting the baby to breast feed.

For more information about the role of a doula see his article in What to Expect When You're Expecting.

Doulas will sometimes use heating pads or ice packs to help mothers during late stages of pregnancy when hip and lower back pain can be an issue. In a blog post from the same publication above a mother explains how a heating pad helped her deal with a variety of pains during pregnancy.

Dachshund shaped heating pad

Microwave heating pads are portable and safe, can be frozen and used as ice packs, and are available at Maine Warmers. They are washable, portable (no wires), perfume-free, come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and make functional and fun gifts for baby showers. Fathers-to-be use them to help relieve tension and relax stiff muscles. Check out the Cozy Sheep Heating Pad and the Dachshund Neck Wrap -- not just for stiff necks.