We will dive in a bit deeper in reference to what’s the role of a doula when they attend your birth. Many expectant families are familiar with the roles of obstetricians, midwives, and nurses. However, there’s another vital person in the birth experience that is often less understood but equally important: the birth doula. So, what exactly does a birth doula do, and why might they be an essential part of your birthing team?
The term “doula” comes from the Greek word meaning “woman who serves.” A birth doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and educational support to a mom and their partner before, during, and shortly after childbirth. While medical professionals who focus on medical care, a doula's role is centered around the comfort and well-being of the mother.
You may have heard about the term “scope” in reference to a doula. What that entails is the range of services we can offer while honoring, the role of the medical provider. Topics within our scope are emotional support, physical, support, advocacy, and educational support. Many know, childbirth can be an emotional rollercoaster, and having a doula in attendance, who focuses of offering reassurance and encouragement, can make a world of difference! We can reduce anxiety or fear, and offer a calming presence to both mom and her partner. Included in physical support are comfort measures, such as hip squeezes or counter pressure, position changes, and massage to name a few. The focus with physical support of mom is to help her relax as much as possible so labor can progress smoothly. Educational support is really important to our role as well! We send websites, podcasts, studies for mom and partner to peruse so they can make informed decisions about their care. A doula can be a strong advocate for your birth preferences. We work to ensure that your birth plan is communicated to the medical team and can help facilitate discussions about any concerns or changes that arise. We serve as a bridge between you and your healthcare providers, ensuring that your voice is heard, honored and respected.
While majority of a birth doula’s support is offered during labor and birth, many offer initial postpartum support as well. During this time, we help with the initial latch in you’re choosing to breastfeed, providing guidance on newborn care, or offering resources for your postpartum recovery.
Research has shown that continuous support from a doula can lead to several positive outcomes, including:
Reduced labor time: Continuous support can help labor progress more smoothly, potentially shortening its duration.
Lower likelihood of interventions: Doulas can help manage labor without the need for medical interventions, such as pain medication or cesarean sections.
Increased satisfaction: Many people who have had a doula report a higher level of satisfaction with their birth experience, feeling more supported and respected.
When selecting a doula, consider their experience, training, and philosophy. It’s important to find someone whose approach aligns with your values and who makes you feel comfortable. Our team of doulas offer free consultations to discuss our services, your preferences, and to answer any questions you may have.
As birth doulas, we can be a valuable addition to your birth team, offering dedicated support that focuses on your emotional and physical well-being. By providing continuous support, information, and advocacy, we help create a more positive and empowered birth experience for mom and partner. Whether you’re planning a home birth, a hospital birth, or anything in between, a doula can play a crucial role in helping you navigate the journey of childbirth with confidence and care.
Christina Lundy is a certified birth & postpartum doula, certified childbirth educator, doula trainer, and agency owner. She’s located in East Atlanta and serves all of Metro Atlanta. She has 5 kiddos, whom she loves dearly. When she isn’t busy with a client or newer doula, you can find her outside in her garden, painting, or reading. Check out her instagram here.
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