The Value of a Birth Doula
A
doula is a woman who nurtures and cares for the expectant or new
mother. She "mothers the mother" while protecting the special
bond between new parents. There are two types of doulas — the birth
doula (or labor assistant) and the postpartum care doula.
The birth doula is the modern day link in the tradition of women helping women in birth. They enhance the birth experience through information, empathy, and physical assistance. A doula is an invaluable part of the birth team in any setting — hospital, home, or birth center.
The doula is a unique part of the birthing team. She is hired by the birthing couple to serve the laboring woman and normally does not perform medical tasks or clinical evaluations. These tasks are best left to the health care providers. The doula can be totally focused on what the mother needs. Continuity of care (the fact that doulas do not work in shifts) is also comforting to the birthing couple. Because her loyalties are solely to the birthing woman and her partner, the mother can rest assured that her physical and emotional needs will be met throughout her labor and birth. A professional doula also promotes positive communication among all members of the birthing team including midwife, doctor, nurses, and the couple.
Statistics and studies have shown the emotional and physical difference a well-trained doula can make. She can help shorten labor by many hours, help reduce the need for pain medication and epidurals, and lower the chances of cesarean surgery. Studies have also shown an improvement in neonatal outcomes, breast-feeding, bonding, and greater satisfaction with the birth experience overall. The doula provides emotional support and reassures the mother with her calm suggestions, both prenatally and during labor.
Some expectant fathers are concerned that hiring a labor assistant undermines his job as coach. This is a common misconception. The fact is that a professional labor support person assists the father by making practical suggestions so he can better help his partner, "spells" him when necessary, and frees him to participate in ways in which he is most comfortable without compromising the needs of the laboring woman. Having a doula present allows the father to concentrate all his energies on his partner while the doula advocates on their behalf by reminding other members of the birth team of the birthing couple's wishes.
Some doulas provide care at home during early labor, helping the couple decide when to leave for their birthplace. She helps provide comfort measures such as positions for active labor and pushing, massage, relaxation techniques, and visualizations. At the birthplace, the doula can help the birthing couple be aware of their options so they may make informed choices as the birth process progresses.
Many doulas remain with the birthing couple for a short time after the birth as well. This is beneficial in helping to get breastfeeding off to a good start. The doula also becomes an advocate for the newborn. Many standard hospital routines such as bathing, warming, weighing, measuring, etc. can usually be done at the mother's bedside, allowing more time for the family to bond. The support person may remind hospital personnel of the parent's wishes at this special time.
Choosing your doula is as important as choosing your midwife or obstetrician. She should be active in the childbirth community and participate in continuing education. Feel free to ask for information regarding her training and references. Some doulas offer prenatal home visits in order to meet one another and to help gear the service toward the special needs of each particular couple. A good rapport with your doula prenatally goes a long way in fostering the trust and comfort which are so important during the birth process.
The value of hiring a labor or postpartum doula cannot be measured. No one ever forgets the births of their children or the special moments in the weeks that follow. The doula can help ensure that those lasting memories are happy, healthy ones.