What Does a Doula Do?
You may be asking, "What does a doula do?" or "Why would I want to have a doula at my birth?" Here are some explanations of the services a doula can provide.
Prenatal:
During Labor:
Postpartum:
Prenatal:
- Helps you write a birth plan
- Suggests (and possibly practices with you) labor positions, comfort measures
- Answers or helps the clients find the answers to questions
- Shares resources on pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and other related topics
During Labor:
- Offers physical and emotional support throughout entire labor
- Communicates with other family member or friends the laboring mother's wishes
- Helps the mother & partner understand any "technical language" the doctor or nurses may offer
- Supports the father by giving him breaks, and help enable him to participate in the birth to his comfort level
- Takes photos and video if wanted (though I am not a professional photographer and can refer a good birth photographer if desired)
Postpartum:
- Helps to review to birth, providing a safe "sounding board" for the mother/partner
- Helps with establishing breastfeeding (although I'm not a lactation consultant)
- Writes a birth story of the event
What a Doula does not do.
- Replace the husband/partner's role
- Provide clinical care such as performing vaginal examinations or monitoring fetal heart tones
- Make decisions for the mother and partner