What is a DOULA?
A doula is a trained and experienced labor companion who provides the woman and her husband or partner continuous emotional support, physical comfort, and assistance in obtaining information before, during, and just after childbirth. According to DONA International (Doulas of North America) one of the oldest and largest doula organization in the world. While the concept of a doula may seem relatively new, labor/companion support is not. All over the world throughout the course of history we have witnessed mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends support and welcome new moms and dads transition into parenthood.
What are the benefits of having a DOULA?
Doulas offer continuous support throughout the course of labor and aren’t pulled away like other hospital staff. Continuous support has been shown to have very meaningful benefits. For many first time parents the events of labor can be as equally exciting as it is scary. Now more so than ever has been difficult for new parents with the limitations on people allowed in the labor and delivery room. If your nurse if pulled away for a considerable amount of time the unfamiliar environment and lengthy waiting period can be nerve wracking.
In addition, doulas help you feel comfortable advocating for your wants and needs. I’m not there to combat with healthcare providers but I am there to help assist if you want to review or gain a better understanding of anything presented. I do this by providing you with accurate evidence based information for you to feel empowered in your decision making.
What is the role of the DOULA?
As your birth doula I am not there to replace your spouse/ significant other. I find that while couples are interested in doula services and support they are weary that dad or their partner will take the backseat. I firmly believe in the model that Doula + Darling = Dynamic Birth Team. I am there to support not only the birthing person but the soon to be parents. Below, are examples of additional roles and responsibilities of a birth doula according to DONA.
A birth doula…
…recognizes birth as a key life experience that the mother will remember all her life…
…understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor…
…assists the woman and her partner in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth…
…stays by the side of the laboring woman throughout her entire labor…
…provides emotional support, physical comfort measures, an objective viewpoint, and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make good decisions…
…facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner, and clinical care providers…
…perceives her role as one who nurtures and protects the woman’s memory of her birth experience.