What is a Doula?
What is a doula and why do I need one?
When I was pregnant id often imagine what my birth would be like, more often than not those thoughts were met with fear and uncertainty. I had no clue what to expect during birth. All I could picture was those stupid movie scenes of women giving birth screaming in pain and with doctors all rushing around. I would spend hours researching what happens during birth. My research led me to a doula website. So what is a doula?
Definition of a doula.
Dona international Defines a doula as “a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.”
What a doula does and doesn’t do.
A doula is a non-medical health professional. A doula should never offer any type of medical care.
In the 1980s doulas became widely popular in the US and throughout the world Because of the support they offer. Doulas help to educate mothers on the best labor positions, pain management techniques and offer support while making tough decisions. One of the most important things doulas offer is emotional support, especially for first time mothers and mothers who have had a previous traumatic birth. A doula might help to protect your birthing space by limiting unwanted guests, he or she may offer a massage or comforting touch to help relax you, they may also Run you a warm bath or grab you blankets. Doulas also help you make informed decisions on you care.
Why you need a doula.
according to parenting ny times.com, “ In 2014, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine said that studies have found that labor support from someone like a doula can help improve labor and delivery. A 2017 Cochrane Review of 26 medical studies, for example, found that women who had continuous support during labor were less likely to use pain medications or have cesarean deliveries than women who didn’t have such support. They were also more likely to have shorter labors and vaginal births without instruments; and their newborns were less likely to have poor vital signs 5 minutes after birth. Mothers who had continuous labor support were also more satisfied overall with their birth experiences.”
When I went to deliver my daughter the only familiar face I had in the room was my partner, I didn’t know any of the nurses or the Dr who was on call and would be delivering my daughter. This is pretty common. A doula is a needed friendly face that is knowledgeable and who is there to support you, not just do a job.
Questions for your doula.
It is important when looking for a doula that you connect with that person. You want to trust them and feel like that have your best interests in mind. Please make sure to interview your doula before hiring them to attend your birth. Consider the following questions during your interview.
How many births have you attended?
what is you philosophy on birth and how will that affect your work?
have you taken any classes to become a doula?
What is your backup plan if you are unable to attend my birth?
I believe that everyone that wants a doula should have one. There are many places to find and hire doulas including communitydoulas and Maine doulas . I myself am a doula and would love to offer my support to you. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have, I am always happy to help!