What exactly is a full spectrum doula?
I am glad you asked!
Doula
dou·la
/ËŒdoÍžolÉ™/
noun
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a woman, typically without formal obstetric training, who is employed to provide guidance and support to a pregnant woman during labor.
"from admission through delivery, a doula stayed at her assigned patient's side"
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a woman employed to provide guidance and support to the mother of a newborn baby.
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In the context of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period, a doula refers to a trained support person who provides physical, emotional and informational support to pregnant people, birth parents, and their families.
Realistically, it is not possible for nurses, doctors, or even midwives to provide continuous labor support. Their focus and their responsibility is on the clinical aspects of the pregnancy and labor, ensuring both the birthing person and baby are safe and healthy.
This is where doulas make a difference as the solution to the gaps in the current maternity care system.
We step in to provide continuous care and support where it would be otherwise lacking.
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A full spectrum doula is a support person who recognizes that pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period can have many different outcomes.
We provide support to people during the full spectrum of pregnancy.
Support can look like a number of things depending on the person and the situation, but some examples of how a full spectrum doula can offer support:
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Miscarriages: provide comfort measures at home or in hospital for a managed miscarraige.
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Stillbirths: holding space for the family and providing emotional and physical support during labor and delivery. As well as support managing the after effects.
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Abortions: providing information on options available and emotional support before and after.
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Adoptions: providing information and support upon your new family members arrival. Helping in the process of parenthood, newborn care education and family bonding.
There are many variations in the support provided by full spectrum doulas, however no matter what type of support is needed we will provide it without judgement and with respect, compassion and love.