What is a Doula?
The word doula ("doo-lah") is ancient
Greek, and means 'woman's servant'. Its modern use
refers to a
woman trained and experienced
in
childbirth
who provides continuous emotional and physical support and information
during pregnancy, labour and into the early weeks of
parenting.
Benefits of a Doula
Numerous
studies have
been conducted regarding continuous
support during labour and whether it enhances the experience for the
woman and effects the outcome of birth. These studies showed
that women who received continuous support from a privately employed
doula were less likely to:
- give birth by caesarean
- give birth with forceps or vacuum extraction
- use pain relief
- be dissatisfied with their birth experience
- experience breastfeeding problems
- experience postnatal depression
For further detail, refer to 'Continuous support for women during childbirth' Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003.
Doulas and Fathers
Doulas support fathers too! Many fathers have little to no experience with labour and birth, and can feel overwhelmed, anxious and unsure, and find it hard to be an objective support for the woman. Fathers receive enormous benefit from the support of a doula who is comfortable and familiar with the birth environment. Doulas do not replace the father, but complement them and support them to support the woman in the best way they can. Studies have shown that fathers actually participate more actively during labour in the presence of a doula than without one, and come away from the experience feeling more positive, confident and bonded with their partner and baby.
I am experienced at working with fathers as a team, at whatever level of involvement they feel comfortable.
I
provide the father with information and
reassurance about what
is happening in labour, give opportunities for him to take breaks, make
suggestions for ways he can support the labour, and help the couple
communicate with each other and with medical staff.
I give the father the encouragement and space to develop his own style of labour support and take care of practical tasks so he can focus on the birthing woman.
Birth can be an immensely exciting time for fathers, and one that can be extremely validating and confidence-building as they make the transition to fatherhood. The birth of a baby changes everything in a couple's relationship and it is so important for them to start their journey as a confident team. The involvement of the father in nurturing his partner and baby can have a dramatic, positive effect on the family.
Doulas help take away the uncertainty
and give fathers the
confidence to play an active role in birth, and the support to make it
a positive, empowering and enjoyable experience for them too.
Limitations of Doula Service
A doula is a trained and experienced birth attendant, with extensive knowledge of the physiology of birth and what is needed to support the natural processes of the body, both emotionally and physically.
A doula is not a midwife, nurse or doctor, and as such she does not give medical advice, make recommendations or medical decisions or perform clinical tasks such as monitoring baby’s heart rate, vaginal exams, assessing baby’s position, or others. A doula can help interpret the information and advice provided by medical staff and assist the couple to make informed decisions.