A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their client before, during and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.
What do birth doulas offer?
Physical Support
Position ideas for comfort and labor progression cross over with hands-on comfort measures like comforting touch, counter pressure, breathing techniques and other “doula magic” for families. A doula’s skilled hands and positioning tools can often help a mispositioned baby find its way through the pelvis and into the birthing parent’s arms.
Emotional Support
Doulas help families to feel supported, easing the emotional experience of birth and helping to create a space where the hormones of labor can work at their best. Whether a birth is completely unmedicated or medically very complex, every family can benefit from nurturing and connection at this tender, incredible time in their lives.
Partner Support
Whether it’s a romantic partner, a friend or another family member like the baby’s grandma, the birth partner’s experience matters in birth. Doulas are there to support every birth partner in being as involved as they’d like with the birth. Physical and emotional support make a huge difference for everyone involved.
Evidence-Based Information and Advocacy
Doulas are trained to help families connect with resources so they can ask great questions and make informed decisions about their births. Doulas serve as a bridge of communication between their client and their providers, lifting them up to help them find their voices and advocate for the very best care.
›Who Benefits from having a doula?
Having a doula can benefit various individuals and families during the pregnancy, labor, and postpartum periods. Here’s a breakdown of who can benefit from doula support:
1. Expectant Mothers
- Emotional Support: Doulas provide continuous emotional support, helping to reduce anxiety and fear during pregnancy and labor.
- Education: They offer information about childbirth options, pain management techniques, and infant care, empowering mothers to make informed decisions.
- Advocacy: Doulas can help advocate for the mother's birth plan and preferences within the healthcare system.
2. Partners
- Supportive Role: Doulas help partners by providing guidance on how to support the laboring person effectively, reducing their stress and anxiety.
- Involvement: They can facilitate communication between the partner and medical staff, ensuring that the partner feels included in the process.
3. Families
- Holistic Support: Doulas can assist not just the birthing person but also the entire family, helping to create a supportive environment for everyone involved.
- Sibling Inclusion: Doulas can help prepare older siblings for the arrival of a new baby, easing the transition for the whole family.
4. Healthcare Providers
- Complementary Role: Doulas work alongside healthcare providers, enhancing the support available to the birthing person without replacing medical care.
- Improved Outcomes: Research has shown that doulas can contribute to better birth outcomes, such as reduced cesarean rates and shorter labors, which can alleviate some pressures on healthcare providers.
5. Postpartum Families
- Postpartum Support: Doulas often provide postpartum care, helping families adjust to life with a new baby, offering breastfeeding support, and assisting with household tasks.
- Mental Health: They can help identify signs of postpartum depression and connect families with additional resources if needed.
6. Community
- Cultural Sensitivity: Doulas can serve diverse communities by offering culturally relevant support and assistance, ensuring that various cultural practices and preferences are honored during childbirth.
All families benefit with a birth doula on their team!
