What Is a Doula?
Can we actually start with what a doula is not? I find that when trying to explain my role as a doula I’m met with a total misconception or I’m often thrown into categories that are out of my scope of practice. So let’s break down what a doula is not - does not.
Not a medical professional
When I mention working with pregnant and birthing women the first response is, “oh, so you catch the baby!” As fun as that sounds, that is not what I do. I am not a medical professional like a midwife which means I will not be monitoring fetal heartbeats, checking your cervix for dilation, performing any tests, and I will not be catching the baby. However, I am trained in childbirth and will be there for you to offer a continuous source of comfort, encouragement and support (emotional, physical and informational) for you and your partner during labor. As a certified birth doula, my job during labor is to make sure you have a memorable and empowering birthing experience.
Doulas are not just for home or natural births
As your doula, it is not my job to tell you what kind of birth you should have. I am trained in childbirth which includes everything that it comes with. If you choose to use pain meds, it is my duty to provide you with all the information regarding different pain meds used during labor. If you agree to an induction, it is my duty to inform you of all methods of inductions and their affects. If you choose to have a scheduled cesarean, it is then my duty to provide you with all the necessary information regarding c-sections. Regardless of the birth you want to have or will end up having, my job is to support you and make sure you have the necessary information and options surrounding birth. This way you will have all the knowledge needed for pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and breastfeeding right in front of you which will allow you (not your doula, your doctor, nurse, or even friends and family) to make the best decisions for you and your baby.
Not a psychologist or mental health professional
An important part of my job is providing emotional support. Creating nonjudgmental safe spaces is one way I go about this. Knowing they have this safe space allows my clients to vent about anything; nerves, bad feelings, or just to get things off their chest that they wouldn’t want to discuss with people within their inner circle. While creating the birth plan is fun and exciting, it’s also important that I thoroughly discuss fears and concerns surrounding birth so I know how to best support you. In addition, unpacking the birthing experience after birth (whenever you are ready to discuss it) is also important so that we can properly work through all emotions for a healthy postpartum journey. Although emotional support is an important part of my job, I am not a mental health professional but I am trained to pick up on symptoms and know when to make referrals to medically trained professionals.
Does not speak on your behalf
As important as offering emotional support is, the informational support that I provide as your doula is equally important. Providing True evidence based information is one way I advocate on your behalf, coaching you and your partner through the birth process so that you will ultimately be able to make the best and informed decisions for you and your baby. This includes providing you with necessary questions to ask and overall education on the intricacies of giving birth. I’m not there to speak for you or make any decisions for you. Another way I demonstrate advocacy is acting as a mediator to ensure there is a clear line of communication between you and the birth facility staff.
Doulas are not just for birth
You just experienced the continual labor support of your doula. You and your baby have just had a beautiful birthing journey. What happens now? Is that it? Luckily, my support as your doula does not end after birth. As a postpartum doula I am trained in the needs of the birthing woman and her family in the days, weeks, and months after the birth or the addition of a new baby. Providing breastfeeding support, labor recovery support, and simply a helping hand around the house (light cleaning, laundry, meal preparations, etc.) are a few ways I offer hands-on support during the fourth trimester.
Hopefully you have a better understanding of what a doula is and what is within my scope of practice.
At this point you may be anywhere between “Wow! We definitely need a doula!” or “People really pay you for this? ”No matter what your current stance on doulas are, there’s one thing none of us can argue with, something the entire doula practice relies on… evidence based research. (PLEASE click this link for evidence on doulas!)
Results of studies show that if a birthing person has continuous labor support (that is, someone who never leaves their side), both mothers and babies are statistically more likely to have better outcomes! Continuous support during labor may also shorten labor and decrease the use of Pitocin (a synthetic version of the natural occurring hormone oxytocin, used to intensify contractions to quicken the labor process). Although continuous support can also be offered by birth partners, midwives, nurses, or even some physicians, research has shown that with some outcomes, doulas have a stronger effect than other types of support persons. As such, doulas should be viewed by both parents and providers as a valuable, evidence-based member of the birth care team. (ref.Howland)
I am not there to replace or outshine your partner in anyway, I fully acknowledge that they are going through this birthing process as well and will also serve as your continuous labor support. However, in the case that your partner may not know how to support you during labor, it’s important that I hold space for them as well. Demonstrating comfort measures and other ways they can be helpful to the birthing person during labor takes a bit of pressure off both parties. In addition, if you don’t have any labor support, especially continuous support during labor, you would absolutely benefit from having a doula.
If I am able to educate just one person about the benefits of a doula I’ve done part of my job. But when a mother or new parents express their gratification for not only my knowledge and support, but my contribution towards a magical birthing experience, then my job is done.
If you or someone you know are in need of the support of a doula, fill out the form below to schedule a consultation.
