Doula ABC – Everything you need to know about a doula
When it comes to giving birth many couples look to hiring a doula. But what exactly is a doula and why should you use a doula when giving birth?
A doula is educated in different relaxation and breathing techniques, knows all laboring positions, and offers emotional support. She is knowledgeable in different birth and delivery options, too. A doula knows how to help you achieve your birth goals and assists the father with support you in ways he may have never even thought of. And every woman who gave birth for the first time can confirm: even if you have taken all different kind of childbirth education classes – the first time you are never prepared for when it really happens.
A doula can offer much needed emotional and physical support during your labor and delivery. Especially when it comes to situations where an informed decision has to be made, her input can be invaluable. Studies have shown that the presence of a doula during birth reduces the mother’s anxiety and stress. This in return resulted in shorter than average birth and labor time.
Don’t get this wrong. A doula does not replace the father during labor and birth. A doula is available to support the birthing couple and not just the mother. Doulas have enjoyed extensive training to learn more than what regular childbirth or Lamaze classes can offer. Naturally a father may feel inadequate, not understanding what the mother is really going through when a contraction hits or what emotional waves his partner is going through. A doula will always help the father support the birthing mother, showing him the techniques and positions that will help her.
A doula allows the father to experience and enjoy the birth in a way he might have not imagined this before. The father will be able to support the mother to his best capacity and therefore make it easier for her to go through this final step of pregnancy. Especially first time fathers will feel big relief knowing there is someone available who knows what his partner is going through, and can help where stress or not knowing make the birthing process difficult.
A doula also helps to give dad the chance to rest and to stay with his partner the entire birth, while the doula takes care of the many little tasks and chores he may be called away to do otherwise – adjust the lighting, get mom a glass of juice or water, get a blanket or more pillows, call a nurse, take pictures, etc.
Hospital based doulas often have several or more women in their care at one time. This can lead to a less satisfying situation for future mom and dad. If continuous care is desired, a private doula should be considered. A doula will not perform any medical tasks, but she will work with mom and dad through the labor process.
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