What is support?

Support is unconditional.

It is listening…

Not judging, not telling your own story.

Support is not offering advice…

It is offering a handkerchief, a touch, a hug…caring.

We are here to help women discover what they are feeling…

Not to make the feelings go away.

We are here to help a woman identify her options…

Not to tell her which options to choose.

We are here to discuss steps with a woman…

Not to take the steps for her.

We are here to help a woman discover her own strength…

Not to rescue her and leave her still vulnerable.

We are here to help a woman discover she can help herself…

Not to take that responsibility for her.

We are here to help a woman learn to choose…

Not to make it unnecessary for her to make difficult choices.

-Anonymous

DONA Birth Doula Workshop Manual Introduction to Labor Support what is support doc. 2006