Pregnancy is one difficult phase that women go through, especially when it’s their first time. There’s the physical aspect such as gaining weight and changes in body shape, and for some, even the texture of the skin changes. Then, there are the emotional and psychological aspects because of the hormones. These changes can be abrupt and these expectant mothers might not have been prepared for all of these that they can be so overwhelmed.
That’s where Doula comes in for support through all of these. They are basically trained professional birth coaches who provide physical, informational, emotional, and mental support to mothers and expectant mothers to get through prenatal to postpartum with ease. They are non-medical labour assistants that provide care to women during childbirth, miscarriage, stillbirth, or even induced abortion.
However, contrary to common beliefs, Doulas do not only support women during these phases of their lives. They can even extend support to the husband and family members as well. Some even deal with non-reproductive phases of life such as end-of-life support.
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Key Roles of a Doula
Doulas are not really that common in Australia. However, because women have become more and more aware of what they want and need during their pregnancy journey, doulas are becoming increasingly popular than they used to. Here are some reasons why.
Support Patients’ Physical, Mental, and Emotional State
Because Doulas are specifically trained to be of service during women’s labour and childbirth, they are knowledgeable and experienced in giving comfort and managing the mother’s labour pains through strategies and the use of different tools. They can also provide suggestions about how to maintain a safe and efficient birthing.
In terms of emotional and mental state, doulas help in conditioning both the mother and the husband or partner on the right attitude and expectations to achieve their birth goals and ensure safety and efficiency.
While the mother is in the labour or delivery room, doulas can provide the partner reassurance from time to time that everything is part of the process and that everything is okay. This can be particularly crucial during a long labour, which means the other half can take a rest physically and mentally so they can make informed and sound decisions for the benefit of both the mother and the child.
Ensure Stress-Free and Safe Pre- And Post-natal Environment
Doulas are mainly expected to create an environment for mothers’ need for care, warmth, safety, and protection while in their vulnerable state, from prenatal which extends up to after giving birth. Part of their training is to provide you with information that is proven to help mothers-to-be prepare for D-day.
At post-natal, they can assist in feeding the baby and in the mother’s adjusting to life together with the newborn. They can help you with any position that you are comfortable with sitting or lying down and may even assist you in bathing, should you wish. They can even guide you with proper breathing and may provide you with other calming methods if you are stressed by your new situation.
Facilitate Communication With the Patients’ Medical Team
Couples may be confused with so many details that the mother’s medical team has ordered that they either may often overlook some important cues for medical emergencies or they can sometimes be overly paranoid over simple symptoms that shouldn’t be too concerning to call the doctor. Doulas can be very helpful in identifying the difference between these two.
They can provide you with guidance on what to ask your OB-Gynaecologist or Midwife, or when it is time to seek more than just a Q & A. Doulas’ assistance has a huge impact on the mothers’ decisions come birthing time which can definitely affect the level of satisfaction with the eventual outcome.
Create Peaceful and Respectful Birthing
Perhaps 100% of labouring women prefer complete privacy during this time. But besides wanting to be left alone in this vulnerable state, a warm, quiet, and dark room can minimise the release of adrenaline which is known to inhibit labour and eventually delay giving birth.
Also, when in an environment with natural aesthetics, the body can maximise the effect on its endorphins which helps the mother relax and somehow feel less pain. With the Doula’s help, they can work with the husband or partner and the mother’s medical team to ensure that this is achieved.
Proven Benefits of Doula’s Services
Different studies have shown and documented the proven benefits of having a doula by the mother’s side during labour and some of these are the following:
- Improved breastfeeding.
- Improved interaction between mother and infant.
- The incidence of postpartum depression was reduced.
- Increased maternal satisfaction.
- Reduction of caesarean rate by 50%.
- Reduction in analgesia use by 30%.
- Reduction in epidural requests by 60%.
- Reduction in forceps delivery by 40%.
- Reduction in oxytocin use by 40%.
- Shorten labour by 25%.
Not Part of a Doula’s Services
It is important to note that despite doulas assisting in pregnancy and birthing which are considered medical situations that can cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to even death, they are NOT medical professionals. Hence, they are not to be expected to diagnose illnesses and conditions and give medical advice.
They are not also expected to know how to deliver a baby nor how to perform tasks such as foetal heart monitoring or vaginal examinations. And most importantly, don’t expect them to replace the emotional support that your husband or partner can provide. Manage your expectations when hiring a doula and better yet, ask as many questions as possible before deciding to hire one.