What to Expect
from Your Doula
By Justine Julian
© LYNSEY S TONE / DF WBIR THPHOTOGRAPHER. COM
Women have been giving birth since the begin- ning of time—but those times have now changed. Many women give birth without
having witnessed the childbirth experiences of their
own mothers, aunts, sisters and community members.
We are now seeing that women truly need extra support
through this transformative experience…and can get
that help from a doula.
A doula is an advocate for the birthing mom and her
partner. Whether a women wants to birth in a hospital
with or without drugs or interventions, or whether she
wants to birth at home with a midwife or other trained attendant, her doula will be there to help her feel involved,
safe and empowered. A doula does not replace the birthing mom’s husband, or the loved one she has chosen to be
with her. The doula is there to provide objective nurturing
support and education, to make suggestions about comfort measures and positions, to keep the mom hydrated
and focused, to provide breaks for the other members
of the birth team, and to be the gatekeeper between the
mom and the outside world. The doula is there to help
make birthing easier. Depending on your healthcare provider and where you live, hiring a doula may be covered
by insurance.
When parents choose to birth in a hospital, a doula
can provide comfort and support in the home, long
before it is time to head to the hospital. Parents often
wonder, “Am I really in labor?” or “Is it time to go yet?”
A doula is trained to recognize the signs and stages of
labor through close observation of the mother. Parents
tend to be more relaxed in their own home, and labor
may progress more gently and quickly. Plus, if you are
already in active labor ( 4 to 5 cm) when you arrive at the
hospital, there is a lesser chance of their using chemical
induction or labor augmentation (with drugs like Pitocin
or Cervidil, and procedures like the artificial rupturing
of membranes). During your time at the hospital, a doula
can help you to understand any procedures or complications that you may run into, and help you communicate
with your care provider.
The following are some experiences you’ll have with
your doula.
▪ Consultation: Your opportunity to determine if a
doula is right for you. This can be done via phone,
e-mail or in person. There is no charge or obligation for your initial consultation with a doula.
▪ Home Visits: A time to build rapport, discuss your
health and pregnancy history, create your ideal
birth plan, determine your needs and address your
concerns. Relaxation, breathing and comfort techniques are also discussed.
