The Role Of A Doula

What is a doula?

A Doula is someone who aids in childbirth by providing care that is catered to the mother and her needs. This type of care varies from person to person, but most of the time it includes providing comfort measures during labor, advocacy, evidence based care, and caring for the mother's emotional and physical wellbeing during and after birth. Many benefits of doula services include decreased Cesarean rates, lower stress levels during birth, increased satisfaction with birth experiences, improved emotional wellbeing after delivery, and reduced levels of postpartum depression and anxiety.

Doula vs. Midwife

Most people often associate doulas with being midwives. While they both take part in the birth process, they are not the same. Midwives are medical professionals who provide care and supervision throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. They can provide reproductive care such as pelvic exams and pap smears, much like an OBGYN, but midwives usually have a more holistic approach. Doulas are not medical professionals. They provide emotional, physical, and informational support. While doulas do carry knowledge in birth, they are not trained to give any medical advice.

A Doula's Role During Labor/Postpartum

Doulas help ensure a positive birth experience by providing a calming environment, pain relieving techniques, effective labor positions, advoacy, and emotional support. Most doulas offer in person and virtual prenatal visits to prepare for labor. This usually comes with evidence based information on birth, and various options that are available for you when having a baby. Some doulas also offer in person childbirth education classes where mamas and their partners can learn about birth in a group setting with other expecting parents.

During postpartum, doulas focus heavily on the wellbeing of the mother and the baby. They are there to offer reassurance, compassion, and resources. They may help with household chores, offer to run errands, cook meals, provide baby soothing tips, and more. Postpartum visits can vary from one visit a week to multiple times a week. Virtual visits are oftentimes available as well. It all depends on how much support is wanted.

Doulas With Birth Partners

Most people often think that a doula acts as a replacement for partners in childbirth. Not true! A doula is an addition to the birth team, not a replacement. In fact, doulas often support birth partners as well by educating them on birth and giving them the tools to help provide comfort for mama. This is helpful for birth partners because they get to feel more involved with the birth, and it is especially helpful for mama because she feels more supported by her partner.

Doula services vary based on what each client needs from her doula. Open communication is key when working with a doula to ensure that your needs are being met and you are recieving the best care you can receive. Birth can be overwhelming when you dont know what to expect or what your options are. That is why doulas are so passionate about educating clients on birth and learning about how they can support mamas to be.