What does a Birth Doula Do Exactly?
According to DONA International, a birth doula is “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.”
Sounds great, right? But what does that actually look like?
Physical support looks like positioning ideas, comforting touch and massage, counter pressure, hot and/or cold packs, and other special hands-on techniques to relieve pain and help get baby positioned properly.
Emotional support can mean many things and may be different for each person. Words of encouragement, affirmations, normalizing, and holding space for the roller coaster of emotions is an oft looked over aspect of the preparation for and act of birthing. For first time mothers, the doula can be especially comforting as the birth draws near and there are a lot of unknowns about labor starting and progressing. The doula can be equally helpful for moms have that already had one (or more) births, as there can be lingering aspects of past births to process, in order to allow the full focus on the current birth.
Supporting a birthing partner is another key role of the doula. Whether it’s a partner, a friend, or a family member, the doula is here to support you and your people. It might look like showing a partner that wants to be “hands-on” where to place the hands. It may look like giving the partner the permission and space to go nap, eat, or make some phone calls. It may look like emotionally holding space for them, as well.
Having a baby is process that comes with making a lot of decisions. A doula can help inform the decision making process by presenting you with evidence based resources and knowledge. A doula can be a wonderful resource to help facilitate an informed decision making process but WILL NOT make the decisions for the client. It is NOT the doula’s role to make these decisions for you, but instead to help you advocate for the decision that is right for you.
Having that calm constant consistent presence in throughout the birthing process looks and feels like comfort, familiarity, and during a time when those things are of upmost importance. If you’re still wondering about anything about the process or what to expect, contact me!
