A doula is a professional labour companion. She provides emotional, physical and informational support to birth-givers. A doula has a strong belief in natural birth. She trusts that every women knows how to give birth, that the female body is designed to give birth and that birth is instinctive.
During Pregnancy: A doula meets with the expecting parent(s) during pregnancy and gets to know them. She becomes familiar with their family culture and values.
One of a doula’s most important tasks is to help a mother prepare for a positive labour experience. She explains the normal physiological process of birth and what “labour pain” is and why, unlike other pain, this pain doesn’t mean that her body is being hurt or damaged. She helps an expectant mother to build trust in her body and it’s innate birthing wisdom. Additionally a doula can help a woman work through any doubts or fears she has about birth or early parenting.
A doula can explain different birthing options available to expectant parents, directing them to evidence-based resources and helping them work out what kind of birth they would like. Having a clear birth intention can help the birthing couple to make decisions during labour if interventions are suggested or an unexpected situation arises.
During Birth: Using her head, heart and hands, a trained doula provides a strong, knowledgeable and calming presence which creates a feeling of security and allows a woman to surrender to her birth and follow her instincts.
A doula will provide support to the birth partner(s) – making sure they are included, reassuring them and suggesting ways they might be able to offer comfort to the birth giver. Her confidence, trust and calm demeanor can help a father or co-parent to relax and trust in the birth process.
Common hospital scenarios may feel scary and intimidating to birthing women and their partners. A doula is likely to have experience in these situations and can help the expectant parents to navigate them. More over a doula can help liaise with the medical professionals as required, explaining what is happening in easy-to-understand language an reminding the birthing family of their choices.
After Birth: A doula will visit the new family at their home one to two weeks after the birth of their baby to check in with how things are going and chat about their birth experience.
A doula can offer breastfeeding help and advice on caring for their new baby.