What is a Doula?
The
Greek word doula means women caregiver. Now the word is used to
describe a trained and experienced labor companion who provides the birthing mother and her partner continuous emotional support, physical comfort
and assistance in obtaining information before, during and after
childbirth.
As a Birth Doula, I;
- Recognize birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life.
- Understand the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a women in labor.
- Assist the women and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth.
- Stay by the side of the laboring woman throughout the entire labor
- Provide
emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint,
and assistance to the women in getting the information she needs to
make good decisions.
- Facilitate communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and clinical care providers.
- Perceive my role as one who nurtures and protects the woman's memory of her birth experience.
- Respects and honors the mother's decisions regarding her labor and works closely
with her and her partner to help her achieve her ideal birth.
The
acceptance of doulas in maternity care is growing rapidly with the
recognition of their important contribution to the improved physical
outcomes and emotional well being of mothers and infants.
As a Birth Doula, I Don't;
- Replace the baby's father or birth partner in their role. I am here to help and support the both of you to have the birth experience that you desire.
- Perform clinical tasks, such as take blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams and others. I am there to provide only physical comfort and emotional support.
- Make decisions for you.
I will help you get the information necessary to make an informed
decision. I will also remind you if there is a departure from your
birth plan.
- Speak to the staff on your behalf. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will speak directly to the clinical staff.
- Provide any medical advice. I will help you find resources or information to better help you make any decisions.
A doula
is a unique part of your birthing team, hired by you and your partner
to serve the laboring women and partner during childbirth. She is
totally focused on the mother's needs and because the doula's loyalties
are solely to the mother and her partner, the mother can feel safe &
secure knowing that her physical and emotional needs are going to be
met throughout her labor and birth to the best of the doula's ability.
Why a Birth Doula?
A
birth doula is there to help you and your partner gain information,
provide education, give physical and emotional support as well as be a
calm and reassuring presence during pregnancy, labor and delivery and
the weeks following the birth. Doulas are trained to assist you during
unforeseen events, stay with you throughout the entire labor bringing
with her a sense of trust, comfort and familiarity as you navigate the
pathway of labor at home or in a hospital, helping transition between
moving from home to a hospital setting, and any hospital shift changes.
Whether
you are planning on having a natural birth or are wanting to receive
pain medications, your doula can help you find information on what your
choices are and will be supportive no matter which path you chose to go
down. She can offer effective non-medical comfort measures designed to
ease your labor and give you all the reassurance and comfort that you
need. She can help you and your partner understand the normal stages of
labor, provide massage and relaxation techniques, and create a peaceful
and joyful birthing atmosphere.
Benefits of a Birth Doula
Numerous scientific trials have demonstrated the following benefits of a Doula's support during and after childbirth, including:
- A reductions in the use of epidurals and analgesia
- A reduction in the oxytocin augmentation
- A reduction in forceps and vacuum assisted births
- A reduction in cesarean births
- A reduction in labor length and occurrences of complications
- A reduction in postpartum depression
- A greater satisfaction with the birth experience
- Facilitated bonding with the newborn
**above information adapted from DONA International's "Intro to Labor Support/What is a Doula" www.dona.org
Introducing the BabySash
Check out the BabySash page for information on my version of the baby wrap.
