Doula (pronounced "doola") is a Greek word meaning "woman servant or caregiver". It now refers to an experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support to a woman and couple before, during and after childbirth. Throughout history mothers and families have benefited from the doula's presence, both at the time of birth and following birth. Both birth doulas and postnatal doulas offer compassionate, non-medical care to assist families in their new-life transition.

 

What Is a Doula?

 

Medical research has shown time and again the importance of emotional support during labour and birth to enhance our experience of birth as well as positively influence the birth outcome and support the bonding process. Nevertheless, the great technological advances in the obstetric field in the last century have mainly focused on the physical safety and pain relief of the labouring woman, leaving her, the baby and father often with very little emotional support.

Doulas are women specially trained to give emotional and practical support during the pregnancy, labour, birth and postnatal period, leading to more satisfying and empowered experiences, and a decrease in interventions, caesarean sections, postnatal depression and an increase in breastfeeding success.

 

When should you contact a doula?

Anytime really. You can contact a doula before being pregnant to discuss the services offered or a few days before your expected delivery.... And anytime in between. For postnatal work, you can of course contact her as soon as you have had the baby (though she may already be booked so it is best to book early). Contracts and appraisal: Before you hire a doula, you will be discussing the service that you need and will be offered. A contract might be signed. Once the doula has completed her assignment she may give you an evaluation form that you may choose to fill-in. She can also offer an evaluation form to the midwife or health visitor (for postnatal work) in order for them to also voice their views on her work

 

What can a birth doula do for you?

Through face-to-face discussions, a doula will support you in making a birth plan so that you can make clear decisions about how you would like your labour and delivery to happen, she will show you breathing and relaxation exercises for both parents. It is important for the parent(s) and the doula to meet a few times before the birth to establish a rapport. She will be present during the labour and birth, support the parents during the more intense part of the labour and care for all 3 immediately after the birth. She will come and visit the new family at least once after the birth. It is important to understand three key differences between a midwife and a doula:
- a doula does not have a medical role
- a doula will be there throughout your labour HOWEVER long
- a doula is not associated with a hospital, doctor or midwife and is there for YOU.

 

What does a Birth Doula do?

The services offered by a doula vary greatly according to the needs of the mother-to-be / parents-to-be. A doula's role has to be flexible to fit in with the given situation e.g. the type of support will differ for a first time mum to that of a woman who has children already. Every birth is unique and therefore every woman's experience is also unique.

Before Childbirth, the doula will usually meet with the mother (or couple) twice face-to-face, and then be available by phone or for additional meetings as appropriate. The purpose is to build a good relationship with understanding and trust.

During Labour, the doula is able to offer help and suggestions on comfort measures such as breathing, relaxation, movement and positioning. The doula can also encourage the father to participate in the birth to a level at which he feels comfortable.

The doula's most important role is to provide nurturing; continuous support and reassurance in helping the mother have the birth she wants. She will support the mother throughout the labour - however long.

After childbirth, the doula will follow up with a postnatal visit to help the new mum settle at home with her new baby, or alternatively, the mother may decide to employ a postnatal doula for a period of (generally) 6 - 8 weeks.

What services does a Postnatal Doula offer?

It will vary according to the mother or the family's wishes. The services include moral and practical support to the mother and family. The doula will help with breastfeeding, the housework, older siblings and baby of course. She will encourage the mother to care for herself as well as the baby. The doula can do some food shopping, prepare tea/dinner, and make school runs... A bit like if the new mother had her own mother there for a few days after the birth - to give support and help around the house.

Postnatal doulas are usually far more flexible than other (hired) postnatal support and will help the mother in the tasks that she needs most.