What is a Doula?

There’s that one trip to the bathroom that can change a woman’s life forever. You pee on a stick and see the plus sign and instantly your mind is now consumed by everything baby. Boy or girl? Natural or medicine? What is the safest car seat ever invented? There are so many things that go into planning for a child, beginning with exactly how you want them to come into the world. The choices for delivery most commonly include doctor or midwife as your medical provider. Most usually you find a doctor or midwife you like and they provide care before, during, and after the birth of your child. Growing in popularity, a doula can be a crucial part of your delivery team to ensure a positive labor experience that follows your birth plan and reduces the stress and anxiety of the entire process.

What is a Doula?

The word doula comes from the Greek word doulē, the meaning of which translates to female helper or maidservant. The doula you hire is not a servant, but is a labor support companion. A doula is defined as a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. Their purpose is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience. It is important to know a doula does not replace the doctor or midwife, they are not medical professionals, their role is to assist and advocate, not deliver the baby.

Most usually women will begin to see a doula around 7 months to discuss a birth plan and go over your birth plan - including whether you want a drug-free birth and what pain management techniques would work best for you. The doula will be present during labor and delivery and some doulas are also trained for postpartum to help mom after the baby has arrived. 

What does a Doula do?

A doula isn't limited to just helping you during labor and the birth of your baby. She can lend advice during your pregnancy, and she can continue to mentor you after your baby is born. It's up to you how and when you would like to utilize your doula's expertise.

Breakdown of services a Doula can provide throughout the pregnancy and beyond:

• Before the Birth

  • Meet with you during your second or third trimester to get acquainted

  • Teach you relaxation and breathing skills

  • Answer your questions about the birthing process

  • Help you understand labor and delivery procedures and possible complications

  • Help you develop a birth plan

• During Labor and Delivery

  • Stay with you constantly to provide comfort and support

  • Use massage and touch to help you relax and rest

  • Help you get into comfortable positions

  • Help you get adequate nutrition and fluids

  • Be a liaison between you and the hospital staff

  • Advocate for your wishes

  • Ensure your birth plan is executed exactly as you wanted it

  • Involve and reassure the dad-to-be

• Postpartum

  • Provide support and encouragement to both you and dad after bringing your baby home

  • Teach both of you how to care for your new baby

  • Assist with breastfeeding education

  • Support dad and other siblings and teach them how to help you

  • Make sure you get plenty of rest, eat regularly, stay hydrated, and are comfortable

Benefits of having a Doula

Numerous studies have documented benefits of having a doula during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40%, and requests for an epidural by 60%. As a whole a doula present reduces the mothers stress and anxiety throughout the process exponentially. Their assistance also can increase the odds of breastfeeding success and improve mother-baby bonding post-birth. Whether you choose a doctor or midwife, on the day your baby decides to come, you end up being cared for by whichever doctor or midwife on call that day, an added benefit of a doula is no matter when your baby decides to come the doula you have personally chosen will be the one present for the actual birth of your baby. In general having a doula present provides a more positive birthing experience for both the mom and dad to be.  

Most women have a plan when it comes to childbirth. A growing number of moms are looking to reduce medical intervention during birth — and while many hospitals and doctors are letting the process happen naturally (instead of inducing labor or using other medical means to make the process go faster), a doula is extra insurance that you get the birth experience you want. A doula will be an advocate for you during the overwhelming birthing process. If you think a doula may be a good option for you, Holistic Massotherapy and Wellness can help you make the decision and be there if you decide it is in fact the best choice for yourself, visit their website now to book a consultation!