FAQs

Doula is a Greek word, meaning ‘woman of service’. Its use today, means ‘one who accompanies a person (and their family/whanau), as they transition either into, or out of their lives.’

Doulas are not medically trained so do not perform medical tasks. They provide support in a number of emotional, practical, spiritual, cultural and social ways instead. Doulas do not advise or direct your decision making, but rather support you to access all the information to make your own decisions.

A Birth Doula is a companion who supports expectant parents in pregnancy, birth, and postnatally. Their primary role is to support the parent's choices in a nurturing, practical, and judgment free way.

The support a Birth Doula provides is tailored to the needs of the parents as and when they arise, but roughly fall into three categories:

Practical support helping you to maintain a sense of control, comfort, and confidence.

Emotional support helping you to feel heard and respected. One of the doula’s primary goals is to care for your emotional health and enhance your ability to have positive birth memories.

Informational support helping you to make informed choices about your birth experience by providing evidence-based information.

A Postpartum Doula assists families through their experience after birth. Their role is to provide education, non-judgemental support, companionship, and to assist practically with newborn care and family adjustment.

An End of Life Doula is a companion who supports a person, and their family, as they navigate life leading up to their death and beyond. Their primary role is to support the person’s choices in a kind and non-judgemental way.

The support an EOL Doula provides is tailored to the needs of the person, as and when they arise, but roughly fall into these categories:

Practical support helping you to maintain a sense of control, comfort, and confidence.

Emotional support helping you to feel heard and respected. One of the doula’s primary goals is to care for your emotional health and enhance your ability to have a positive end of life experience with all those who support you.

Informational support helping you to make informed choices about what’s available, and what you will need during your journey, and what your family will need after you die.

Cultural & Spiritual support ensuring your wishes are met according to your cultural and spiritual needs, especially after your death.

Social support ensuring that the person’s circle of friends and family are informed, as per the person’s wishes, and abilities as health declines.

The End of Life Doula Alliance of Aotearoa is a membership organisation where you can find more information about EOL Doulas, and find a Directory of their Professional Doulas who offer these services. www.eldaa.org.nz

When you find yourself turning to a Doula for support, you may be bewildered about what to ask and where to start. The first rule of thumb is – you may ask anything you like!  Your circumstances are unique and your individual needs are important. Your Doula will understand this.

When searching, ask yourself: what am I looking for? Consider training, experience and approach. However, the most important factor is how you feel with them. Do you feel heard, safe and understood? Do you experience a level of trust when you engage with them? Choosing a Doula has more to do with fit and instinct than specific qualifications.

The following points may help you get started:

1. Enquire about their training and experience. A number of organisations offer quality training.  Currently there is no national certifying body for doulas in NZ. 

2. Interview more than one Doula. It is vital to feel a connection with them. Trust your intuition. They will be with you through an extremely vulnerable time and a feeling of comfort, intimacy, confidence and faith in them supporting you is critical.

3. Enquire about the Doula’s philosophy and why they became a Doula. Feel free to ask questions about inspirations, motivations and interests. Ask about their experiences and impressions. Share what is important to you. Share your background, and ask your Doula about theirs.

4. Enquire specifically about what they do and don’t offer. How do they usually provide support? Will they be on call? Will they be available for a vigil at end-of-life?  Are they available to attend medical appointments? Be prepared for a Doula to ask you specific questions about your anticipated journey, and the support you presently have in place. The reason a Doula may ask these questions is to determine how they may serve you best and make suggestions from there.

5. Enquire about fees. This may include questions about time allocated to offered packages. What if you need more time or less time?  Do they consult on an hourly basis?  How and when can you pay?

6. Enquire about communication. How can you contact them? Can you email/text them with questions or concerns? Do they offer phone/on-line support? If you do not have a Doula living in your area, enquire whether they provide virtual support.

7. Enquire about the Doula’s support network. Do they have a back-up Doula?  Can you meet the back-up?  Do they have support to look after their family and other commitments at times that are critical to you? Doulas can be hired by people at all stages of life; however for end-of-life care they are very often hired by their loved ones as well.  Doulas are there to offer their compassion and skill – and you may be surprised at the strength and confidence you develop in holding yourself as your Doula holds you.

Adjusted with approval for use from the original author: Maria Lazovic,

www.endoflifedouladirectory.com.au

The cost for Doula services is dependent on many factors and individually set by each Doula. Compassionate and competent support through the birth and end of life experience is priceless. Most of us live in the real world and we know cost is a factor during most of our decision making processes. If you really have a financial need, let the Doula you are interested in know as they may be flexible and provide options.

A Doula does not make decisions for clients or intervene in medical care. They encourage you to be your own advocate in pregnancy, birth, and end of life. A Doula will offer a wealth of information and evidence based practices to consider. It is ultimately your responsibility to make choices concerning your future journey.