As a midwife, I have the privilege of working with doulas pretty regularly.  And, honestly, I do have my favorites.  The following are just some of the characteristics of the doulas I feel serve families best and for whom I have great respect:

1.  They genuinely care about the families they serve.  It isn't just a job, it is their love and passion and ministry. 

2.  They come prepared to spend everything at the birth, and they often do.  There is nothing they wouldn't do for a laboring momma.  They are physically fit and ready to do hip squeezes for hours on end.

3.  They know when to step in and when to step back.  It is a delicate balance.  Great doulas discern when they are needed for hands-on help, verbal support, or just silent praying.

4.  They are confident and don't wait to be asked or told what to do.  I appreciate this so much.  If I constantly have to give the doula direction, I might as well do it myself and the extra talking detracts from the peaceful environment.  Doulas who confidently know what to do and who quietly do it contribute to the peace and safety the mother feels as she labors.

5.  They show respect for me as my clients' care provider.  They point my clients back to me when my clients have questions or concerns about their pregnancy and birth.

6.  They have skills.  More than just hand holders and moral support, they come equipped with an arsenal of comfort measures and they know how to help in even the most difficult of labors.

7.  They are quiet and respect the need for a peaceful birth environment.

I could go on and on, but I think those are the most important.  Although midwives certainly know how to support a woman in labor, the addition of a doula to the birth team means I, as the midwife, am free to focus on the health and wellbeing of mom and baby, reserving my energy for the end of labor, birth, and postpartum when my role is most critical. 

It is extremely rewarding for me to hear from other midwives about how excellent Charis-trained doulas are.  I have even heard from two different hospital administrations who wanted to know if there were any other Charis certified doulas in their geographic area.  Charis doulas are definitely doing something right!
 

P.S.  I mentioned in last month's newsletter that I would have a big announcement to make concerning the launch of Charis's sister midwifery school.  We are waiting on the state of FL for one more thing before we can make the big announcement, so stay tuned to our FaceBook page and to next month's newsletter for the news!