What is a doula?
The word doula translates to, “a woman who serves.” There are many types of doulas out there as well as various levels of training and experience.
What is a birth doula?
“Birth doulas provide different types of support to pregnant people during the various stages of pregnancy, labor, and delivery. This includes physical, educational, and emotional support. During labor and delivery, your nurse and care provider are focused on keeping you and your baby safe, while your doula is focused on your educational and emotional needs, as well as your comfort. There are many decisions to be made, and your doula will help you to identify your priorities, find out what is available in your birthing facility, and create a birth plan that reflects these preferences. Your doula can suggest options or questions you might talk over with your primary care provider or nurse. Any decisions about medical procedures, such as pain medications or interventions, are made between you and your doctor/midwife.
Your doula is dedicated to supporting you regardless of your pain management preferences. Your need for physical and emotional support does not end when you receive an epidural, and your doula will help you navigate and assess your options for pain medication so you may choose what is right for you. Even if you’re planning on having an epidural during your labor, there are still many benefits to having a doula to support you. Your doula will be there to help you interpret your labor, to help you physically in the time before you receive the epidural, and she will also help coach you during the pushing stage. Just because you don’t feel the same pain you would without an epidural, doesn’t mean you won’t feel the same emotions. Sometimes, labor progresses too quickly to receive an epidural and for women who plan to have one, that can be scary. If this is the case, knowing that you will have the continuous support of your doula can make all the difference.”
A doula can help support you during a cesarean birth (planned or not). Your doula will join you in pre-op, possibly in the operating room (depending on facility policy), and after the birth, so that you are never left unsupported.
What is a postpartum doula?
“Postpartum doulas provide support after birth during the journey into parenthood, even for those who are already parents. This period can be challenging, especially if you don’t have a chance to process your pregnancy and birth experience, or the new responsibilities that come with your evolving identity as a parent. Postpartum doulas may offer help with breastfeeding, bathing, swaddling, or watching the baby while the parent or caregiver rests, showers, and heals. They can also provide information about resources like parenting groups, and referrals to specialists who can help with postpartum depression, lactation, and other needs specific to new parents or their families.”
References
Brasenell, P. (2020, August 7). Cardinal movements of Labor. Doulas of Austin - Birth Postpartum - Classes. https://www.doulasofaustin.com/blog/cardinal-movements-of-labor
Parenthood, P. (2021, December 9). 7 different types of doulas and what they do. Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/7-different-types-of-doulas-and-what-they-do