Labour & Delivery
How does a doula act during your birth?
As a birth doula, my main main role is to protect the holy and private environment the labouring mother needs, help her achieve the healthiest and most satisfying experience possible, and help the mother shift to Plan B as smoothly as possible in case of unexpected circumstances.
A doula also:
Birth might be fun.
informs the birthing woman (and her partner) about their options while creating their birth plan and supports their choices
gives continuous support during labour and birth, which the doctor or midwife may not provide due to their heavy workload
helps the birthing woman (and her partner) understand the general medical procedures and make informed decisions
comforts the woman physically at different stages of birth both at home and at hospital by giving her a massage, helping her find the most comfortable and efficient position, reminding her of the breathing techniques or taking her to shower
acts as a bridge between them woman and anyone around her
assists her with negotiation of her preferences
provides reassurance and encouragement
makes the birthing woman (and her partner) realize that everything is going right
supports the father and helps him become a part of the birth as much as he wants
What doesn’t a doula do?
A doula never decides on behalf of the birthing woman (and her partner).
She never recommends a medical procedure. She only supports the mother’s decisions and reminds her of her birth plan if necessary.
She never applies medical procedures. She never interferes in the business of medical staff.
She never speaks on behalf of mother but makes her voice heard as much as she can.
What services do I offer as a birth doula?
Before birth
My first aim is to learn about the needs and priorities, the worries or fears of the couple if there are any so that I can be more helpful for them.
As a birth doula, I usually meet with the couple two times before birth. In one of my visits, I may accompany the mother to one of the prenatal visits at the doctor’s office so that I have a chance to meet the doctor. If there is need, we can hold 1 or 2 more extra meetings.
I wait for the couple’s call 2 weeks before and after the due date. I inform the couple beforehand if I’m not available on any one of these days and introduce my back-up doula who will substitute me.
The couple can contact me via phone or e-mail whenever they need support.
During labour
I provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support. Some of the techniques I use are:
Heather at 9 cm
suggesting positions and changes to help ease pain and facilitate a smoother, more effective labour
reminding the expectant mother of breathing techniques
giving a massage
using non-pharmacological pain relief techniques
informing the couple about medical procedures
supporting the partner and helping him become a part of the birth as much as he wants.
My utmost goal is to support the decisions the couple makes as a family and help them to go through this magical period with comfort and peace. Unless there is an extraordinary condition, I support the couples right from the beginning to the end of labour.
I’d rather the couple informed me as soon as they feel that labour has started. I may go to the couple’s home when the expectant mother is in early labour to make her more comfortable as she works through contractions, and continue helping her through labour at the hospital or we may decide to meet at the hospital depending on the circumstances.
After birth
I usually stay approximately 2 hours after birth, until I feel that the new parents are comfortable and ready to spend silent and special time, and breastfeeding has started successfully. In the following first week after birth, I visit them once to see how they are and answer their questions.
