Though the term “doula” is often used interchangeably with “midwife”–these are two different types of providers with very distinct roles.  

Doulas have traditionally been women who assist other women during labor as well as during the postpartum period. In a traditional sense, doulas have been our sisters, aunts, mothers, and closest friends who were deeply supportive and experienced with the process of bringing forth life.  Unlike midwives, they are not clinically trained and therefore do not perform clinical tasks that would include doing pelvic exams, assessing vitals, or  “delivering” the baby. Doulas, however, continue to be an invaluable part of the birth team as they bring their knowledge and compassion for the birthing process to provide the moral support needed to get through the intensity of childbirth. 

 

The Doula Circle is the only community network of doulas affiliated with a midwifery practice, and as such comprises a circle of birth workers deeply committed to providing the highest quality care to Philadelphia families.  Our network is united by the shared values of integrity, compassion, reproductive justice, and professionalism. 

 

Your doula will provide a range of comfort measures during labor, including massage, assistance with relaxation techniques, and more. They encourage you while including your  partner in support efforts, facilitating his/her/their ability to participate as much as desired. They will also encourage you to engage in informed decision making with health care providers, helping provide information and a full range of options so that you can claim responsibility for your choices. Before, during, and after birth,your doula will work with you to meet your educational needs, including teaching coping techniques, assisting with development of a birth plan, and providing evidence-based information on pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and newborn care topics.

 

The Doulas in our Circle attend births in a variety of settings: hospitals, birth centers, and at home. Our services include prenatal care provider consultation, labor support and postpartum care services. Joint clients of Inner Circle Midwifery receive special rates when working with both providers and the variety of experience we offer allows each family to find a perfect match for their individual needs!