Talk Birth

Several studies have shown very promising, positive outcomes from births when a doula was present. Women tend to report a greater satisfaction with their birthing experience, labors are generally shorter, the birth usually has fewer complications, pitocin is less likely to be used, the need for pain meds/epidurals is lowered, the incidence of c-sections are reduced, lower rates of post-partum depression are reported, and the mother is more likely to breastfeed.  With results like these, shouldn’t everyone hire a doula?

Many people don’t seem to know what a doula is.  This is sad because every pregnant/birthing woman deserves one!  Doulas are not the same thing as midwives.  While they are trained in childbirth education, basic breastfeeding technique, and can provide procedural information to their clients, they cannot perform any clinical tasks (such as fetal heart rate checks, vaginal exams, blood pressure, etc.).  Doulas mainly exist to provide you with the physical, emotional, and informational support needed throughout labor, and right after the birth.  Most doulas offer pre- and post-natal support as well.  No matter where or how you birth, a doula can help you achieve the best possible birthing experience.  The word doula actually comes from ancient greek, meaning, “female slave or servant.”  This makes sense, as women have been helping women birth since the beginning of time.  While they may not be considred a “slave” nowadays, they are certainly there to provide uninterrupted support to the birthing mother.

Birth doulas often spend a fair amount of time with their client before the “big day”.  These visits may include getting to know the mother on a personal level (and anyone else attending the birth), helping put together a birth plan, going over comfort measures that will help mom deal with pain in labor (water, candles, massage, aromatherapy, guided imagery, music, etc.), and educating the client on birth information (which can be as basic as “what to expect during each stage of labor”, or as detailed as going over all of the risks and benefits of interventions if the mother is planning a hospital birth).  Lots of doulas will attend a prenatal appointment to go over the details of the birth plan with the mother’s care provider (OB or midwife).  This helps to ensure that the mother has received informed consent, while also putting everyone in agreement of the mother’s birth wishes.  Some doulas can offer childbirth education, basic newborn care, and breastfeeding classes as well.  Doulas usually come equipped with a lending library of birth-related books and videos that they can loan to their clients.

The most imporant role the doula performs is the continuous labor support. She is with the birthing mother through every stage of the game, and generally for an hour or two after the birth (especially to assist in the baby’s first successful latch onto the breast).  When a woman births in a hospital environment, the doctor usually only comes when the mother is ready to push.  If the labor is long, there may be a shift change for the nurses on duty.  But, the doula will always be there.

People often ask–why a doula if their husband/partner is going to be present for the birth?  Doulas are not there to take over the coaching of dad.  Rather, they can enhance his role!  Sometimes husbands may run out of ideas, feel helpless, or become exhausted.  The doula can help build his confidence by demonstrating more comfort techniques he can provide to his wife/partner.  Even though he knows mom best, and is the most important person in the room to her, birthing is probably not his area of expertise.  The doula can be an extra massaging hand when dad’s hands get tired.  She can also run any errands, and provide drinks or snacks so that dad doesn’t have to leave mom’s side.  Many doulas will also take photographs, and possibly videos for the couple, so that dad can just concentrate on being their for his partner.  If the mother decides she wants to write her birth story, the doula can keep a written record of details during labor that the couple just isn’t thinking about in the moment.

Most birth doulas also serve their clients with some basic post-partum services.  This includes home and/or hospital visits after the birth to check in, work through any emotions from the birth, provide mom with further resources that she may need (such as new mom’s groups or lactation consultants), and possibly some light housekeeping.  If the mother feels that she needs more assitance (extra chores, cooking, etc.), she can usually pay her doula a little more, or hire a post-partum doula.

Doulas all come with different personalities, and different price tags.  Interview several, and find the one that is right for you.  Some doulas are trying to build a clientele, so come at a lower cost.  Either way, the birth of your baby shouldn’t be the biggest place to cut corners in your life.

Convinced yet?  To start searching for a doula in your area, visit www.dona.org.  We’ll also be starting a resource section on talkbirth.com that will provide you with recommended doulas in your area.