what is a doula?
A doula is a non-medical reproductive support companion who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to people who are experiencing pregnancy or an outcome of pregnancy.
what is an abortion doula?
An abortion doula is a doula who provides support to people having an in-clinic or medication abortion. An abortion doula keeps people company before, during, and after their abortion procedures, and helps improve patient comfort and self-advocacy by providing basic pain-management techniques, breathing techniques, imagery, and/or comforting conversation.
are there other types of doulas?
Yes; doula work is not limited to abortion doula work. There are also death doulas, postpartum doulas, prenatal doulas, etc. The Full-Spectrum Doula Movement started with two main questions:
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Why are we only providing birth doula care for people who can afford it and feel comfortable enough/know to ask for it?
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If we acknowledge that the experience of birth in this country calls for the additional support and advocacy provided by a doula, why are we only providing this care to one pregnancy outcome?
The Full-Spectrum Doula movement is therefore made up of doulas committed to providing free, accessible, and non-judgmental support to people throughout the spectrum of pregnancy and its potential outcomes. The Full-Spectrum movement is still fairly new but has been actively growing throughout the country.