What is a Doula?
The role of doulas have deep roots in many different cultures. Traditionally held by women, doulas provide much needed non-familial support for people in their perinatal journey, from conceiving to pregnancy to childbirth, to even pregnancy loss. All birthing people deserve a village to care for and support them. Nowadays, the birthing experience has been heavily medicalized and the need for non-medical support has been diminished and trivialized, which is all the more reason to revive this age-old tradition that is still practiced and sought for by many people. Instead of the term "doula", you may know them also as birthworker, labor support, birth coach, birth sister, perinatal community health worker, confinement nanny, among others.
Doulas are not midwives. Doulas step in to fill the essential role of non-medical support and birth companionship, while midwives are medical professionals who help to deliver the baby and they can administer medications, injections, perform sutures and check ups, and give medical advice. In this article, we explore how including a doula in your care team can be helpful to your perinatal and maternity journey.
Physical Support
Doulas provide hands-on comfort measures during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, helping ease physical discomfort and promote relaxation. They offer techniques such as massage, counterpressure, and breathing and meditation exercises to manage pain and stress. During labor, doulas assist with positioning and movement to encourage progress and reduce discomfort. In the postpartum period, they support birthing people through recovery after vaginal birth and c-section as well as provide guidance on infant care, breastfeeding, and rest strategies to promote healing.
Emotional Support
Pregnancy and childbirth can be overwhelming, and doulas provide continuous reassurance and encouragement. They build trust with the families they support and create a calming presence and birthing environment, offering a sense of security during labor and birth. By listening without judgment and validating feelings, they help parents navigate the highs and lows of the journey. Doulas help birthing people plan their births and postpartum period, so they also help stick to the birth plan and preferences during labor, such as non-medicated births and using certain pain management techniques. Their support fosters confidence and reduces stress and fear, making the experience smoother and more fulfilling.
Mental Health Support
Doulas are often the first to notice any mental health red flags in the birthing family, as they often meet more frequently, for longer periods of time, in the home setting, than other care providers. Doulas help safeguard mental well-being by recognizing signs of perinatal mood disorders such as postpartum depression and anxiety. They lend a compassionate and non-judgmental ear and help parents process their birth experiences and validate them, the good, the bad, and the unexpected. By fostering a supportive environment, doulas reduce stress and feelings of isolation. They also connect families with mental health professionals or resources when needed, ensuring they receive the care and support required for a healthy transition into parenthood.
Informational Support and Advocacy
Doulas empower parents by providing evidence-based information about pregnancy, birth options, and postpartum care. They help families make informed decisions by clarifying medical procedures and translating complex information. In medical settings, they advocate for parents’ birth preferences, ensuring they feel heard and respected. Something that's common but not often talked about is obstetric trauma, when obstetric and gynecological procedures are performed without informed consent. The information provided to birthing families by doulas enables and empowers them to ask questions, assert desires, express concerns, and reject certain procedures—effectively reducing the rate of obstetric violence and trauma. By bridging the gap between families and healthcare providers, doulas contribute to a more positive and autonomous birth experience.
