Labor Support Terminology

"Doula"-a Greek word meaning "Woman's servant." In labor support terminology, "doula" refers to a supportive companion (not a friend or loved one) professionally trained to provide labor support. "Doula" also refers to lay women who are trained or experienced in providing postpartum care (mother and newborn care, breastfeeding support and advice, cooking, child care, errands, and light cleaning) for the new family. To distinguish between the two types of doulas, one may refer to "birth doulas" and "postpartum doulas"  For more info on postpartum doula support, please refer to dona.org

"Monitrice" -a French word originally used by Fernand Lamaze to refer to a specially trained nurse or midwife who provides nursing care and assessment, in additon to labor support. Today, "monitrice" is often used as a synonym for "birth assistant" or "labor assistant."

"Labor Support Professional," "Labor Support Specialist," "Labor Companion" -synonyms of "birth doula."

"Birth Assistant," "Labor Assistant"-sometimes these terms are used as synonyms for "doula," but also may refer to lay women who are trained to assist a midwife (vaginal exams, set up for the birth, fetal heart checks, etc.) as well as to provide some labor support.

"When love and skill work together expect a masterpiece."

                                                            John Ruskin

Questions to Ask a Prospective Doula

The following questions will help you decide if a particular doula is right for you. You may consider asking these questions on the phone, before having an in-person interview.

• What training have you had? (if a doula is certified you may consider checking with the certifying organization.)
• What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
• When do you try to join women in labor? Do you come to our home or do you meet us at the place of birth?
• May we meet with you to discuss our birth plans and the role you wll play in supporting me (us) through childbirth?
• May we call you with questions or concerns before or after the birth?
• Do you meet with me (us) after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?
• Do you work with one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet her/them?
• What is your fee, what does it include, and what are your refund policies?
• Can you provide references? (Be sure to check the references.)

When you meet the doula (and it is a good idea for both of you and your partner to meet her), pay particular attention to your personal perceptions of the doula. Is she kind, warm, enthusiastic? Is she knowledgeable? Does she communicate well? Is she a good listener? Is she comfortable with your choices or does she seem to have her own agenda? Do you feel comfortable with her? The way you feel with her may be more important than the number of births she has attended. You may want to interview more than one doula and make a comparison to help you find the doula who is right for you.

DONA 2002

Potential Choices for Payment for Doula Services:

• Set payment plan for services, which may consist of payment plans or payment in full before the onset of labor.
• Sliding scale, which is used for families who can not afford the doula's full service fee. The doula accepts what the family can afford, as long as it is reasonable.
• Bartering, is a form of 'quid pro quo'- something for something else. Maybe you or someone in your family have a skill or service that could be traded for doula services. Objects and other items have been known to be bartered, even childcare for the doula's children could be a choice also.
• Doula Services could be a great baby shower gift- so let family and friends know about your desire to have a doula at your upcoming labor.