Let’s Talk About The Role Of A Doula
Welcome back readers, and thanks for being here. The work we do is sacred and it’s important, but what exactly do we do? There are different doulas that specialize in different areas and it isn’t always just pregnancy and postpartum. Keep in mind all doulas are different, some may focus on you and your baby while others will help with household chores and childcare. With social media there can be some misinformation or misinterpretation of what the role of a doula plays in the life of expecting parents. It can sometimes be romanticized or misleading. Don’t you worry, we’ll be going through the different types of doulas and what having one can look like for you!
Basics
Alrighty, lets go over some background information to clarify a few things. A doula is not a medical professional and we are unable to deliver babies. We are still trained professionals that are to help complement your team of midwives, OB’s, and nurses. We are here to help support you in the different seasons of your pregnancy, advocate and help you voice your wishes. Informing you of your different options during birth, postpartum support and informing any caregivers of yours and baby’s needs.
There are several doulas, and within their specialties they can provide you with different services. We are to adjust to your needs and accommodate you as needed. We provide mental, emotional, and physical support to the birthing person and their family. There is a pregnancy doula, birth doula, postpartum doula and a full spectrum doula. Of course your doula may have several different certifications that broadens their scope of practice and their services.
These certificates can include:
Lactation specialist certification
Birth photography certification
Fertility coach certification
Infant sleep consultant certification
Perinatal mental health specialist certification
Prenatal and postpartum nutritionist certification
What can I expect from a pregnancy doula?
Great question, the role a pregnancy doula takes on is one that usually starts around the 2nd-3rd trimester. Of course if you’d like the support of one earlier on you may do so. A pregnancy doula commonly helps birthing individuals that are having complex pregnancy. People who may be considered “high risk”, on bed rest or that have unmanageable pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness that doesn’t settle and makes it hard to do basic tasks. They help people who may need extra or special care or someone who simply needs a little extra support. Remember, it's normal to need a little extra help during pregnancy, don’t be afraid to ask for it. We want to help reduce stress for the birthing person and help put them at ease and that can look differently depending on their needs.
They provide mental and emotional support. They can help provide knowledge of what’s to come and expect out of pregnancy and birth. Pregnancy doulas can also plan your meals and prepare them. They can help plan the nursery and even help you organize it when you begin your nesting. Some pregnancy doulas also help with assisting you in household work/chores and childcare with other children. Make sure you ask your doula their providing services so you know if they’ll align with your needs.
What should I expect from my birthing doula?
A birth doula is the most popular and is also known as a labor doula. They usually start their care around the 2nd-3rd trimesters as well. They mainly help you get ready for birth. Keeping you informed of all your various options for childbirth so you feel well prepared for when the time comes to have your baby. They can also help you with your birth plan.
A birth doula will need to know where you are planning to give birth, so they can plan accordingly. Going through your birth plan together will also help your doula understand your wants and needs during the labor. It’ll also help your doula learn what your birth philosophies are and what resonates with you. They will want to support you in all of your decisions and your expectations. A birth doula can also help you understand the process your body will go through during the different stages of labor, and within those stages they will provide you with different strategies to keep you comfortable. They will also encourage you during birth, coaching you and strengthening you mentally. A birth doula can also teach your partner on ways to be involved and supportive. Supporting you mentally and emotionally while trying to prepare you for it. Giving you all the tools you may need to have a smooth birth.
Along with mental and emotional support they also support you physically during labor. A birth doula can help you learn different breathing techniques, comfort movements, labor positions{including your partner} and posture options. They will prepare you for your contractions and show you the different coping mechanisms to let the contractions wash over you. While also ensuring you are eating and staying hydrated. You can also expect them to advocate your wishes to your team, your standing on pain management, your birth plan and even your wants during postpartum.
Should I consider a postpartum doula?
That is a question several families think about. It is very common for people to want the extra support after they come from the hospital with their newborn. It is even more common for first time parents to look for support. A postpartum doula usually will assist you the first few weeks to months of postpartum. They help allow you rest and let you simply take up space. They help your family carry the emotional load that postpartum can have, guiding you into a new rhythm with your baby.
A postpartum doula can help take care of your baby, feeding your baby if you are bottle feeding, burping your baby and putting the baby down for bed/nap. They may also do household work like laundry, dishes and preparing meals. Taking even a few things off your plate to provide you with more time with your baby or even time for yourself. If you are breastfeeding, they can teach you different holding techniques and proper breastfeeding techniques. They can also help the people in your household with proper ways to hold the baby and ways they can help care for the baby.
Benefits of having a doula
Studies have shown that there are spectacular benefits to having a doula involved in a person’s labor. According to the Cleveland Clinic “Support from a doula can improve your childbirth experience during delivery and afterward. Doulas improve healthcare outcomes, too”
Benefits can include, According to the Cleveland Clinic:
Increased vaginal births
Shorter labor times
Less use of pain medication during labor
Increased breastfeeding success
Less anxiety and stress for birthing individual
Now, take a second and process the information we have provided you with. We hope we have helped you decide if you’d like a doula present during your journey. If you are looking for support continue looking through our website for our services and don’t be afraid to visit our instagram page. Thank you for reading, we’ll see you next week!