The Value of a Doula
Doulas are a centuries-old tradition, but have become popular again in the U.S. in the past 15 or so years. In the simplest of terms, a doula is a woman who is a trained - not all are formally trained - professional who provides informational, physical and emotional support for the family before, during, and after the birth of the baby. However, she does so much more than that. She remains with mom throughout labor and birth, and is completely focused on the mother's needs for physical comfort and also emotional encouragement.
Labor and delivery nurses care for multiple patients and have the responsibility to care for the laboring mother and their unborn child. However, because of the time constraints nurses face in today's hospitals, it's not likely that a nurse will be able to provide the level of emotional and physical support that most women need during this time. A doula's job is to provide physical and emotional support to the mother and father. She is able to stay throughout any nursing or physician shift changes. She helps the mother feel confident, gives assurances in mom's ability to give birth, provides massage and other comfort/pain management techniques, and assists with laboring and pushing positions.
A doula can provide informational support, and be an advocate for the mother's choices and rights without judgment. She provides support throughout the pregnancy, which can be an immense comfort, especially for first time moms. Having someone to talk with throughout the pregnancy about body changes or pregnancy concerns can be a major source of comfort.
Many doulas attend moms once labor has been established, whether that it be at home or at the hospital. During labor, a doula’s goal is to help moms relax and focus, ensure that mom’s birth plan is adhered to as much as possible, help mom make informed decisions, support loved ones, and maintain a quiet and calm birthing environment. A doula does not take the partner/ father's place at birth. The mother's partner is an integral part of the experience and an extremely supportive and important one. But it's unreasonable to expect the partner, who is very emotionally involved, to provide all the support necessary. Giving birth can be stressful not only on the mom, but on the father of the baby as well. Watching a loved one uncomfortable or in pain can be very scary. A doula can model behaviors to help the father know how to better help the mom in labor. The doula brings experience and confidence, while the father provides strength and love.
Research findings indicate the value of having a doula during childbirth encompass many aspects of childbirth. Doula supported birth can shorten labor and reduce cesarean rate by 50%, length of labor by 25%, oxytocin use by 40%, use of pain medication by 30%, the need for forceps by 40%, requests for epidurals by 60%, incidences of maternal fever, and the number of days newborns spent in NICU (neo-natal intensive care unit). The long-term benefits of having a doula include: improved breastfeeding abilities, increased time spent with baby, decreased postpartum depression, positive maternal confidence, and more positive newborn health.
A doula's role is not to take over or control the birth experience of the parents but to provide support and skills so that the parents can achieve the birth experience in which they desire.
Ask the following questions in your search for the right doula:
- What training have you had?
- What has been your experience as a doula?
- What is your philosophy about childbirth?
- May we discuss our birth plans and what kind of role you can play in supporting me through childbirth?
- May we call you with questions before and after the birth?
- At what point do you come to us during labor (home or hospital)?
- How many times to you meet with us before and after the birth?
- What services do you offer?
- What is your fee?