How a Doula Benefits Your Pregnancy, Labor, Birth and Postpartum
When I first heard of a doula, I was so intrigued. Like who are these magical women who hold up, both physically and metaphorically, a mother during one of the most momentous occasions in her life? It was so beautiful, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. However, when I said I was working to become a doula a lot of people said what’s a doula? This is understandable since so few people use doulas in the US. So, let’s have a little lesson on doulas, shall we?!
The miracle of growing and birthing a baby is awe-inspiring. Truly a beautiful feat that our bodies are divinely designed to do. Sadly, we live in a culture that paints pregnancy and childbirth as a time to be feared and plants seeds of doubt and apprehension in so many. The support of a doula can be invaluable in such a vulnerable time. The role of a doula is all about creating a warm, comforting space for you as you embark on your birthing journey. Doulas help bring confidence and empowerment to your birthing experience so that you can have your best birth and, dare I say, enjoy the experience.
What is a Doula?
The term "doula" comes from the ancient Greek word meaning "a woman who serves," which I think is just so beautiful and encapsulates the essence of the role perfectly. A doula serves you, the mother. She educates you and supports you allowing you to build confidence and reduce anxiety. She puts aside everything else and focuses solely on you and your needs so that you can get out of your head and into your body to birth your baby.
Think of an animal in nature or even your house cat; they seek out a quiet, safe environment to give birth. If they feel threatened their body releases a hormone to stall labor so as to not birth a baby into a dangerous situation. Humans are no different – we instinctively want a quiet, safe space to birth. This is why someone who is there to continuously support you, protect your space, and comfort you is so beneficial.
(It is important to note that doulas are not medical professionals. They can’t provide any medical advice or perform any clinical procedures, but they can play a vital role in enhancing your overall birth experience)
There are several types of doulas, each specializing in different aspects of the childbirth journey. All have the common goals of supporting, educating, empowering, informing, nurturing, respecting, listening, loving, and assisting a woman during her journey.
Antepartum Doula: Antepartum doulas provide support during pregnancy, helping expectant parents navigate the emotional and physical challenges that may arise.
Labor Doula: Perhaps the most well-known type of doula, labor doulas, also known as birth doulas, provide continuous support during labor and birth.
Postpartum Doula: Postpartum doulas step in after the birth of the baby to provide support during the early weeks of transition to parenthood.
Full-Spectrum Doula: Full-spectrum doulas provide support throughout the entire reproductive journey and combine the roles from all of the above into a one-stop shop.
What Does a Doula Do?
A 2017 Cochrane review of a study of over 15,000 women concluded that providing continuous support during labor has the potential to enhance outcomes for both women and infants. It's linked to more natural births, shorter labor times, and a lower chance of needing a cesarean or assisted delivery. Plus, it often means less need for pain relief, especially the strong stuff. And let's not forget the positive vibes for both mom and baby, like a higher Apgar score at the five-minute mark and fewer negative feelings about the whole childbirth experience.
What are doulas doing that makes this possible? Doulas focus on individualized support before, during, and after birth. Their role is solely tied to you, not the hospital, doctor, or nurse – you! A doula provides support in 3 main areas: emotional support, physical support, and informational support.
Physical support is important as it allows you to maintain a sense of control, comfort, and confidence. Aspects of physical support include:
Assisting you with walking, changing positions, etc.
Massage and touch techniques to alleviate pain and tension.
Guidance on breathing exercises and relaxation techniques.
Suggestions for position changes and comfort measures during labor.
Support in creating a calm and soothing environment by dimming lights, playing music, asking non-essential people to leave, etc.
Practical help with tasks like getting water, adjusting pillows, etc.
Emotional support ensures that you feel cared for. Having your emotional needs met allows you to feel a sense of empowerment. Doulas provide the following types of emotional support:
Continuous presence and reassurance throughout labor and birth.
Active listening and providing a non-judgmental space.
Offering encouragement and praise.
Validation of the birthing person's feelings and experiences.
Emotional coaching and coping strategies during challenging moments.
Providing emotional support during decision-making processes.
Informational support keeps you aware of what is going on and provides you with evidence-based information about your options. Through informational support, you can make informed decisions regarding your care.
Explanation of the birthing process and what to expect.
Information on various labor and birth interventions.
Education about pain management options and coping techniques.
Guidance on navigating medical procedures and interventions.
Anticipation of possible outcomes and scenarios.
Assistance in creating a birth plan and understanding choices.
Education about postpartum care and newborn care.
Benefits of a Doula
The benefits of doula support extend well beyond the birthing room. Their guidance and presence leave a lasting impact on families. A positive birth experience sets the tone for the postpartum period, allowing for optimal bonding and increased success with breastfeeding. With a doula, you are more likely to remember your birth as an empowering and beautiful experience. The information and education a doula provides allow you to make informed decisions about your healthcare and birthing options.
There are options for support at every stage of your journey. Prenatal doula support can look very different from person to person. You may want childbirth education training, or you may want to learn and practice pain-coping techniques. During labor and birth, a doula provides continuous support, pain management techniques, coping strategies, and advocacy. She can be really involved or more of a peaceful presence - it’s your choice. She’s there to help you however you need. Oh, and let’s not forget the partners - doulas can be a great teammate to partners in the birthing room. During postpartum a doula provides recovery assistance, emotional support, and newborn care. The beauty of doula care is that there are so many different styles of care that you can find the perfect doula for you.
So, now that you know a bit about doulas, you can see that there is a real benefit to your entire pregnancy journey by working with one. Where there is birth, there should be a doula. There are so many varieties of doula care that there is really something for everyone. You deserve the love, support, and nurturing care that a doula provides. I encourage you to add a doula to your birth team.
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. Please discuss all medical concerns with your care provider. This content is for educational and informational purposes only.
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Thanks for reading!
Hi, I’m Sierra, a doula with a passion for physiological birth. My mission is to help moms, like you, gain the confidence to wholeheartedly trust their bodies to bring their babies into the world.
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