What is a doula?
A doula is a woman who has experience of childbirth and is trained in giving support and information to the birthing woman and her family during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. A doula har no medical responsibility, does not give medical advice and her role is differentiated in relation to the medical profession.
A Positive childbirth experience
The doula has a strong belief that women have the ability to give birth.
All expecting parents have a right to be treated with warmth and respect during childbirth. The doulas goal is to contribute to a childbirth experience that the parents can remember with happiness.
The Doula and the Father
The doula is not instead of the father/partner. She gives support to both the mother and father/partner. The doula gives suggestions of what the father/partner can do to help and support his loved one.
Continuity
The doulas primary assets and tools are her calmness, her experience, her hands and voice and ongoing presence. The doula creates a calm and warm atmosphere that makes the expecting parents feel safe. The doula is there for the parents – all the time.
How does it work?
To find a doula, look under “Find a doula”, on this webpage. Contact the doula by mail or phone and arrange a time for an introductory, free meeting. The doula and the expectant parent meet once or a few times during pregnancy to get to know each other and talk about feelings, thoughts and expectations about the baby’s birth.
The doula is on-call from 2 weeks prior to expected due date. When labour starts the parents call the doula and they meet at the parent’s house or at the hospital. The doula stays with the parents until the baby is born.
Does it cost anything?
Each doula decided how much she wants to charge. ODIS-doulas have education and experience and usually charge around 3 000 – 4 000 kr. Most doulas have a contract, eg. with the terms and conditions of payment and refunds.
What is a ODIS-doula?
An ODIS-doula fulfils the following criterion:
-Has read ODIS literature list.
-Has supported at least 3 families during childbirth and given written account of these to ODIS committee.
-Has written and passed ODIS written examination.
-Has completed a doula education which has been approved by ODIS.
-Been approved by one member of ODIS board.
As a guide for you, we have listed the doulas according to their home county and hometown. This does not mean that she only works in that town. Sometimes you might be able to find a doula who lives in a neighbouring county. Find a doula. (swedish)
What is a childbirth educator?
A childbirth educator teaches childbirth preparation classes for expectant parents.
The courses give parents both theoretical knowledge and practical training. Breathing and relaxation exercises, and mental preparation are important parts of the courses. Some childbirth educators offer personal childbirth preparation and support sessions.
Find a childbirth educator here! (in Swedish)
About ODIS
Get in contact with ODIS. info@doula.nu
ODIS means Organisation for doulas and childbirth educators in Scandinavia. ODIS is a non-profit organisation and was formed in 1999.
The goals are to:
-create network that can gather and spread information, support and education
-help the birthing woman find professionals, ie doulas and childbirth educators.
-establish a practice for doulas and give them access to necessary knowledge and information
-approve educations for doulas
