DOULAS

A Doula's Role

A Doula's role is to enable a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time that she can during pregnancy, birth and the early days, as a new mum. This type of support also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience. Every birth is unique and therefore every woman's experience is also unique. A doula's role has to be flexible to fit in with any given situation e.g. the needs of a first time mum will be different to a woman who has children already. Most doula and client relationships begin a few months before the baby is due. During this time, they establish a relationship that gives the mother complete freedom to ask questions, express fears and concerns, and take an active role in creating a birth plan. A doula does not replace the medical staff (midwives or doctors) she is an addition to the people that look after you. Neither does she take the place of your partner, quite the opposite it is part of her role to strengthen that partnership during pregnancy and labour.


Birth Doulas

Birth doulas are trained and experienced in pregnancy and childbirth. They have a good knowledge and awareness of female physiology but the doula is not supporting the mother in a clinical role - that is the job of the midwife and medical staff. A birth doula is a calm, comforting, encouraging presence in the birthing room. She will stay with you throughout the whole length of your birth however long it may take, offering continuous encouragement and reassurance. In addition to emotional support the doula will act as an advocate and may assist in communicating with the medical staff to obtain information for the mother. Beforehand she will help to prepare you for your birth, enabling you to trust in yourself and your body. During labour the Doula will be able to offer help and suggestions on comfort measures with pain relief techniques, such as breathing, relaxation, movement and labouring positioning. A doula does not replace the partner, rather she supports and encourages the partner to participate in the birth to a level at which he feels comfortable. Helping the partner to understand his role with supporting the mother. The doulas most important role is to provide nuturing continuous support and reassurance, at one of the most important times in a woman's life when she may feel vulnerable, helping the mother to acheive a positive and safe birth experience.


Postnatal Doulas

Postnatal doulas offer practical and emotional support to the new mother and father in the home following the birth of the new baby. A doula can support a new mother so that she can bond with her baby and spend time with older siblings. Providing essential support as the mother establishes the breastfeeding process during the first few weeks. They are skilled in offering families evidence-based information and support on breastfeeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, infant comforting, mother and baby bonding and coping skills for new parents. Providing informational support regarding feeding and bathing. Giving physical support by doing light housework, providing meals, shopping or generally helping with the baby. A postnatal doulas most important role though is to provide emotional support by encouraging the mother during those times when she feels overwhelmed, having a dramatic positive effect on the family. Helping the mother to be the best that she can be.


Doulas and Fathers/Partners


The role of a doula is never to take the place of the husband or partner in labour, doulas actively help and support the partner too. Some partners feel the huge expectation of them during labour is too much, with a doula as part of the birth team, a partner can do whatever they feel comfortable with at each moment. Before labour begins, the doula can help to prepare the partner, with how to help and what to do to help the labouring mother. Doulas can encourage the partner to use comfort measures to help the mother, and the doula can step in at any moment the partner needs a break (even if for only a brief moment). Having a doula allows the partner to be able to support the mother emotionally during pregnancy, labour and birth and also be supported to enjoy it themselves.