Maybe you have heard the term in some conversation, or you know someone who hired one for a pregnancy. Or maybe you kind of have an idea but are not completely sure what all the buzz is about. You’ve come to the right place!
So, what is a doula?
A doula is a support person that helps clients go through different life transitions. The support a doula provides may include informational, physical, emotional and even practical aspects and is focused on empowering and encouraging you and your family so you can take the best decisions and feel satisfied with your process. All this is done in a frame of honesty, respect and compassion.
There are several kinds of doulas who provide tailored support for each of these situations. The most common ones are related to birth and death. A birth doula supports the birthing person all through the process of labour and birth and is often followed by a postpartum doula, who support families as they find a new normal after welcoming their child. In the case of death, an end-of-life doula supports a sick person and their family as death comes near (you can find more information about these doulas here). There are also doulas specialized in loss, who support and give tools to grieve. This can be after a death, but also in cases of miscarriages, stillbirths or other more intangible losses.
Here in Yur’hir, I specialize in giving support for labour and birth as well as the postpartum period, so I can be with you all through the process. By now, you may already have an idea of the benefits of having a doula, but check the following sections so you learn more about the benefits of having a doula by your side.
Why you should consider a birth doula
Maybe you have heard about doulas but are not sure if there are any real advantages by having one by your side when you’re giving birth. Here are some of the perks of having professional continuous support at your birth:
Reduce the odds of having…
- …a cesarean.
- …an instrumental delivery.
- …negative feelings about your birth experience.
You, as the birthing person, will have…
- …continuous support all through your labor and birth.
- …all the information you may need to take the best decisions for you and your baby.
- …non-medical comfort measures.
Increase the odds of having…
- …a baby with higher Apgar score.
- …a spontaneous vaginal birth.
- …to use less pharmacological methods as pains relief a great start in your breastfeeding journey.
You, as the partner (or other support team!), will have…
- …someone that can explain how to help you cope and do your best
- …someone to support you through all the experience and explain you what is going on
- …someone who can cover so you get to have bathroom breaks
- …someone to give you information and help you prepare for the birth
Read mored about all the evidence on doula support for birth here in the Evidence Based Birth website, or here in Midwifery Today.
Postpartum doula: the key to postpartum happiness and self-confidence
Doulas are not only for births! They can help you once you’re back home with your little one to ensure a smooth transition. Considering different wellness aspects, they’ll provide a listening ear, a helping hand, and lots of tools so your family gets the best start possible with the newest member.
Having a postpartum doula will provide you and your family with…
- A smooth transition for both parents and (if there are) the siblings of the new baby.
- Evidence-based information and resources.
- Peace of mind – I keep an eye on warning signs on the birthing person and baby and teach both of you how to do so as well.
- Tips for an expedite recovery and care for you as a new parent, making sure you have enough fluids, nourishment and rest.
- Birth experience reviewing so you can sort out your memories and have peace.
- Feeding options and support.
- Helping hand with laundry, dishes, light cleaning.
- Delicious and nourishing meals.
- Listening ear and guidance without judgement.
You can read more about the experience of having a postpartum doula in this New York Times article, and more about the benefits of having a postpartum doula in this article from Healthline Parenthood.