The word Doula (pronounced doo-la) is a Greek word meaning 'woman who serves'.  Doula - is used today to describe a woman who is experienced and trained to provide women and their families with educational, emotional and physical support during their pregnancy, labour and delivery to help with both increased comfort and labour progress. This would include such things as providing assistance with gathering information, understanding the birth process and the options available to you so you can make informed decisions when necessary.
        As your doula, I would be with you to give continuous emotional reassurance throughout all the highs and lows of labour. I can offer advice and suggestions to help your partner or other support persons who want to play an active support role in the birth process.  I can also provide comfort measures and pain relief with non-medical skills such as relaxation, breathing, positioning and the all time favorite - massage. Nurses and Doctors change shifts but your Doula is a constant support. My goal is to help enable you to experience childbirth the way you desire it and to help you to have a healthy and rewarding birth experience.
A Doula...
  • does not replace the woman's partner or care providers.
  • does not make decisions for, or speak instead of, her clients. She does not project her own values and goals onto her client, or discourage the woman from her choices.
  • does not perform clinical or medical tasks such as taking blood pressure or temperature, fetal heart tones, vaginal exams or postpartum clinical care
        The World Health Organization, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, the Institute for Health Care Improvement (Boston) and the Medical Leadership Council (an organization of 1200 US hospitals) all support the use of Doulas.  Our place in the birthing room is still fairly new. But, that's changing quickly. While Doulas are still only present at a very small percentage of births, the knowledge of what we offer is growing more and more.
Contact Baby Steps: (902) 745 - 3483
Copyright 8 2005, Baby Steps Doula Services
All Rights Reserved
Laurie Brannen - Labour Doula/ Professional Childbirth Assistant