WHAT IS A DOULA?
Where does the word Doula come from? What does it mean?
"Birth companions have been present in all cultures and time periods." - US Anthropologist Dr. Dana Raphael used the term “doula” to describe labor companions in her 1966 doctoral dissertation.
This term doula is used as a title for the people who surround and interact with and help the mother during the perinatal period (pregnancy, birth and lactation).
There are other words that can be used to describe birth companionship and support. The terms are birth worker, labor support, birth coach, birth sister, perinatal community health worker, etc.
Doulas aim to establish a relationship with the mother and partner before the birth and research shows that families feel more secure going into labor with a doula they already know and trust.
Many families are surprised to find that the medical providers don’t stay with you very long during the labor instead they do brief check-ins. Doulas stay with you from the beginning to the end of labor.
The doulas’s primary responsibility is to the birthing person.
“Swedish oxytocin research Kristin Unvas Moberg writes that the doula enhances oxytocin release which decreases stress reactions, fear, anxiety and increases contraction strength and effectiveness. In addition, the calming effect of the doula’s presence increases your own natural pain coping hormones (beta-endorphins) making labor feel less painful.” (Unvas Moberg 2014).
What does a Postpartum Doula Do?
Postpartum doulas are non-medical support people trained to help parents after birth.
They offer non-judge mental support with emotional changes, physical healing from birth, infant feeding, and building confidence around newborn care.
While postpartum doula support can include a wide variety of things, it is important to understand their training and primary focus is the parent(s) and baby. Types of support include Emotional, Physical, Infant Care, Family and Education / Advocacy Support.
What are the benefits of having a postpartum doula?
Benefits include: (1) Reduces stress, anxiety and postpartum mood disorders through active listening and encouragement. (2) Helps parents understand newborn behavior and develop confidence in caregiving.
Assists with rest, light chores and postpartum recovery guidance. (3) Strengthens family dynamics by teaching infant care skills and reducing stress for all members.
What does a Birth Doula Do?
Birth doulas are trained to provide physical, emotional, and informational support to their clients before, during and shortly after childbirth.
Birth Doulas meet with clients during pregnancy to build rapport and discuss birth preferences. They are there to assist the birthing person and support their helpers or partners but not to replace them but primarily provide support and guidance throughout the pregnancy and continuous support during labor and delivery.
The following techniques can help enhance comfort during labor:
-Suggesting optimal positions (movement, swaying, pelvic rocking, birth ball, peanut ball)
-Helping you walking to and from bathroom, changing clothes, giving ice chips, food, drinks.
-Providing massage and counter pressure
-Teaching breathing and visualization techniques
-Applying warm or cold packs
-Offering aromatherapy
-Providing emotional reassurance and encouragement
-Creating a calm environment (dimming lights, creating a chill energy vibe)
-Assisting with water therapy (shower, tub)
-Holding hands, making eye contact
Birth Doulas can also fill in gaps by alerting staff about unusual symptoms or labor issues. Maintaining the cleanliness of the room. They can assist with initial breastfeeding or bottle-feeding support.
What are the benefits of having a birth doula?
Birth Doulas provide crucial emotional support during labor helping mothers feel more empowered through the birthing process. They offer continuous reassurance creating a calm and supportive environment for the laboring person. They act as the laboring person’s advocate.
-Birth Doulas listen to the mother’s fears and concerns, offering validation and empathy.
-Provide constant presence and reassurance through labor.
-Help reduce anxiety and stress levels.
-Use encouragement and praise to boost the mother’s confidence and self-esteem.
-Empower mothers to communicate their needs and actualize their vision of a positive birth experience.
-Support partners and family members helping them feel more involved and prepared.
Doulas can help mothers feel more in control of the birthing process; potentially leading to improved birth outcomes and higher satisfaction with the overall experience.