The Role Of A Doula: Under current Government legislation your midwife may go with you to your hospital and care for you in the role of a doula. 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 after the birth, as well as in the postnatal period.* We are negotiating legislative changes to allow Independent Midwives to act as your legally responsible midwife in the hospital in which you birth.
You Have Arrived; It’s Your Birth Day
This will be your last session with your antenatal Circle of Care!
Your midwife is a trained professional who has known you throughout your pregnancy, knows your mindset, your expectations, your concerns, your birth plan and with your partner, can help you work with your body and baby to achieve the birthing experience you prepared for. At the hospital your midwife helps care for you during birthing in the role of a doula, assisting you in your emotional and physical needs. She will help guide and comfort you during birthing. She will help with communication between you and your legal caregivers - the hospital - and help you get the information you need to make informed decisions and assists your partner participate at his/her comfort level. Rather than reducing your partner’s participation during labour, your midwife’s support will compliment and reinforce his/her role, allowing their contribution to the labour and birth become meaningful and helpful.
