What is a Doula?
"Doulas provide families with emotional support, information resources and practical help.
A doula is trained in the needs of the family. They provide clients with continuous support during pregnancy, labour, birth, and postpartum. Separate to midwife or Public Health Nurse, a Doula is your personal advocate.
Can anyone call themselves a Doula? No, in the same way you need qualifications to become a gas installer, a teacher, a solicitor, an accountant, so too do you need training to become a Doula. You cannot simply call yourself a driving instructor without having qualified as one and the same applies to Doulas. A professional Doula undergoes training, signs a code of ethics, has appropriate insurance, is Garda vetted, and tax compliant.
Check out www.doulahelp.ie to find a Doula and to be certain you are receiving the best support from a Doula that has met these professional requirements."