If you are looking into what a doula is, this is a great place to start. The word 'doula' comes from the ancient Greek word meaning 'a woman who serves'. In 2023 it is a term used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a pregnant person before, during, and just after birth. They also provide emotional and physical and informational support in the postpartum period. You can read studies about birth outcomes here. But in short, they have shown that when a doula is present labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier, and breast/chest feed more easily.
Ok, this is great information. But what exactly do you do?
Clearly, I can only speak for myself and what my scope allows me to do as your doula. Another doula may have additional training that enables them to provide different/more support to you and your family. This would be a great conversation to have with them at an initial consultation.
In Pregnancy, support is largely informational. Once a contract is signed we stay in regular contact. I LOVE hearing about your pregnancy. Everything from bump pictures to random questions about pregnancy, birth, and even parenting. I think the best part of having a doula in pregnancy is knowing that you can ask them any question and they will provide you with evidence-based information, as opposed to the internet, where you could end up with conflicting advice. There is a point in your pregnancy where I like to sit down and talk with you and any other support people about your birth. I'll ask you questions like: what does your dream birth look like; how involved does each support person want to be; what are things that help you feel comfortable when you don't feel good? This will also give you the chance to ask questions that you might have, learn some hands-on techniques for early labor, and formulate a birth plan.
Continuous labor support. This can look different for each family. I tend to offer suggestions on laboring positions to help labor progress. Tell support people the best ways to help provide comfort, from hip squeezes, massage tips, and drawing baths. I also like to help make your labor space as cozy as I can. During the day I suggest sunlight, essential oils, and a cozy shirt. In the evening, I like battery-operated candles, white noise, and a soft pillow. All of this happens while I hold space for you and your support people which varies based on your needs. Maybe you need additional information to help you prepare for any potential interventions, some bad jokes, or to be asked some questions that help boost all of the natural oxytocin. Once your baby is finally earthside, I like to snap a few pictures if I am able and then offer support on skin-to-skin and feeding. I will point out hunger cues and full cues, and remind you what is normal at this super early stage of life with a newborn. I will encourage you to get some food and drink some water. Labor is a lot of work and you need to nourish your body too. Once things have calmed down and you start heading to your postpartum room, or the vibe of the room has shifted to a more intimate one I will head out so you can spend time with your sweet new baby. Not to worry though, I'll check in after a couple of days. And I'm always just a text message away.
That was a lot of information. Do you have any questions? I'd love to chat with your further to see if I might be a good addition to your birth team. Just click the button below and I'll be in touch shortly.
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