A birth doula is a professional support person trained in the needs of the family during pregnancy and childbirth. The doula offers non-judgmental support, guidance, evidence-based education and practical hands-on support during childbirth including comfort measures. Doula originates from the Greek word meaning woman servant. A birth doula recognizes the profound impact of childbirth on the mother.

 

The birth doula does not provide medical care, clinical tasks such a cervical checks or fetal heart tones and does not speak on behalf of the client.

Encouraging the pregnant mom or her partner to ask questions and verbalize their preferences

• Asking the mother what she wants
• Supporting the mother’s decision
• Amplifying the mother’s voice if she is being dismissed, ignored, or not heard, “Excuse me, she’s trying to tell you something. I wasn’t sure if you heard her or not.”
• Creating space and time for the birthing family so that they can ask questions, gather evidence-based information, and make decisions without feeling pressured
• Facilitating communication between the parents and care providers
• Teaching the mother and partner positive communication techniques
• If a mother is not aware that a provider is about to perform an intervention, the doula could point out what it appears the nurse or physician is about to do, and ask the birthing person if they have any questions about what is about to happen. For example, if it looks like the provider is about to perform an episiotomy without the mother's consent: “Dr. Smith has scissors in his hand. Do you have any questions about what he is wanting to do with the scissors?”

Doulas are not medical professionals, and the following tasks are not performed by doulas:

• They do not perform clinical tasks such as vaginal exams or fetal heart monitoring
• They do not give medical advice or diagnose conditions
• They do not make decisions for the client (medical or otherwise)
• They do not pressure the mother into certain choices just because that’s what they prefer
• They do not take over the role of the partner
• They do not catch the baby
• They do not change shifts (although some doulas may call in their back-up after 12-24 hours)

There are many values to a doula during birth. I will be there to support you during your labor and delivery. Not only will I be there to support you, I will be a support for your support person as well. With me there to support you, your support person can focus on being there for you in other ways; however you need them in that moment. I will act as an advocate for you to make sure you have the best birth experience possible for yourself. I can help aid in communication between you and the hospital staff to make sure both parties are heard and both points of view are understood. I will be with you for a few prenatal and postpartum appointments too to make sure you are ready for labor and in case you need assistance or have any more questions after birth. During our meetings I will put together a birth plan that you will approve to help communicate your wants, desires, hopes, and fears with the hospital staff so they can respect your wishes to the best of their ability. I am here to support you and help you have the best birth experience possible. 

The fourth trimester is the 12 weeks after giving birth and just as important for the mother's health as the other three trimesters. Postpartum care should be an ongoing process to make sure the mother's needs are taken care of during this time. The fourth trimester is a critical time to make sure the mom is moving forward and healthy. As a postpartum doula, I will be there to make sure the mom and growing family are getting the care they need.