How do you explain...

[MAWebster92182]

what a doula is to someone (ie, mh DH) who has NO idea (let alone has even heard the word before)?

[MamaMichelle]

From my website-
A Doula is a professionally trained, non-medical person who assists a woman physically and emotionally during childbirth. She provides information so that the mother may make informed decisions during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum.

[DoulaMegz]

I always tell people that I'm pretty much like a professionally trained labor and birth coach. Keep it simple you know, and if they want to know more I talk more about what i do.

[mirandamary]

I say the trained labour and birth coach too! It makes sence to people! I find myself explaining it alot to older people than younger

[MothertheMother]

Dads and DoulasThis article will probably help him understand (or help you explain it if he isn't likely to read it) I would assume (if he's anything like my dh) he's not looking at it from the womans perspective but from how a doula would affect the father since that is what he can relate to. When I first mentioned the idea of becoming a doula my dh was a tad put off by the idea of someone taking his place at the birth of our children but now he definitely gets that if we'd had a doula he'd have been better off, too.

[gotdoula]

When I have to explain, most people say "Oh!, yea a midwife" and I tell them that I am involved in nothing medical. I am just a person that rubs feet, comforts and encourages. Then I add, I am also trained to help the mom make informed decisions about her birth. I can answer questions that they may have.

Overall it is a difficult question to answer in under one minute!

Angela in WV

[DucetteMama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoulaMegz I always tell people that I'm pretty much like a professionally trained labor and birth coach. Keep it simple you know, and if they want to know more I talk more about what i do.

Yep. This is usually what I say as well.