Being a doula: a profession of listening, support and presence for women and families
The doula profession is still little-known in France, and sometimes misunderstood. Yet it plays a unique and valuable role in the maternity process. The support offered by a doula is 100% non-medical and non-therapeutic.
So what exactly does a doula do, and why is her role complementary to medical and paramedical professionals?
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Article written by : Fanny who works as a Doula |
A sympathetic ear
The heart of a doula's job is listening. Active, sincere, non-judgmental listening. In a fast-paced world, where pregnancy and motherhood are often surrounded by injunctions and expectations, the doula offers a space where every woman can express herself freely.
Listening is more than just hearing. It means welcoming fears, doubts, joys and questions. It means allowing women and families to feel seen and heard in what they are going through. This presence may seem simple, but it is profoundly transformative.
Too often, women feel isolated in their motherhood. The doula reaches out to them, accompanying them in their reflections and emotions.
Emotional, practical and informational support
A doula's role goes far beyond listening. She is there to :
- Offering emotional support: Whether to reassure, soothe or simply be a calm presence in moments of doubt, the doula is an unconditional ally.
- Providing practical support: through simple but essential gestures, such as helping to organize daily life after the arrival of a baby.
- Sharing reliable, clear information: Motherhood can be a veritable labyrinth of information. The doula helps untangle it all, directing women to appropriate resources or competent professionals, without ever imposing a choice.
Gentle body accompaniment
Some doulas also integrate a bodily dimension into their practice, always respecting the non-medical limits of their profession. Through simple gestures, massages and rituals such as the Rebozo, they support women in their connection to their bodies.
Rebozo, for example, is a technique that uses cradling and hugging to help release tension, promote relaxation and sometimes honor important milestones in the journey of motherhood.
Non-medical but complementary support
It's essential to stress that the doula does not intervene on a medical level. She does not replace a midwife, obstetrician or any other health professional. Her role is different, but perfectly complementary.
This dialogue between doula and caregivers is essential. A good doula knows where her role ends and respects the limits of her competence. She works as closely as possible with the perinatal network: midwives, pediatricians, osteopaths, psychologists and lactation consultants.
Why choose to be accompanied by a doula?
Calling on a doula means choosing to be surrounded by someone trained inemotional support. You'll benefit from ongoing support, often from the beginning of pregnancy through to baby's first months of life.
It also means regaining power over one's path, because a doula always accompanies in a spirit ofempowerment: she guides without ever directing, supports without ever deciding for you.
A role for the whole family
The doula is not only there for the mother-to-be. She also accompanies partners, older brothers and sisters, and even relatives. Her aim is to foster an atmosphere of trust and serenity, so that every member of the family can find their place in the adventure of parenthood.
The challenge of gaining recognition for this profession
Being a doula also means accepting a profession that is still little-known, and sometimes viewed with suspicion by some healthcare professionals. And yet, doulas want only one thing: to collaborate and enrich the perinatal network, to offer families comprehensive, humane support.
As a caring and supportive profession, the role of the doula has its place in our society. It's not about replacing, but complementing. To work hand in hand with midwives, doctors and others involved in the maternity process, in the interests of women and their families.
Conclusion: a presence that changes everything
If you meet a doula, you'll recognize her by her smile and her ability to simply be there. Being a doula isn't about doing, it's about being. It's an outstretched hand, an attentive ear, an open heart. And for many women and families, this presence changes everything.
