What
is a Doula?
A Doula.... a
woman experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical,
emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and
after childbirth.
A
Doula…...believes birth is a natural process ... recognizes birth
as a transformational event in the life of a woman, and contributes
to making it a safe and positive experience.
A
Doula.....understands
the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
...stays with the mother throughout labor ...supports the mother in
her choice of birth options; does not force her own viewpoint on the
mother.
A
Doula......serves
as an advocate for the mother and her partner in carrying out their
birth plan ... facilitates communication between the laboring woman,
her partner and clinical care providers ... helps the partner
participate in the birth at his/her level of comfort; does not
replace the role of the partner, but supplements it.
More
Definitions:
The
Doula's Role with the Dad
Some women feel that if they have a partner planning
on being involved in the birth of their baby, the services of a doula
are unnecessary. The doula is sometimes thought to be needed only by
women without partners. Likewise, some fathers may feel threatened by
the presence of a doula…worried that she will "take
over," preventing him from total participation in his baby's
birth.
The doula's role can enhance the birthing experience
for both the mother and the father. During pregnancy, a doula meets
with a couple to discuss the birth of their child. Both partners'
thoughts and feelings are addressed. Their wishes, worries, and
concerns are discussed as thoroughly as they want. In a woman's
pregnancy, questions are usually addressed to her. The father is
given a chance during a prenatal meeting with a doula to talk about
his own concerns for the birth. The depth of discussion is dependent
on each partner's comfort level. The doula can answer almost any
question the parents ask, (although a few answers may require
additional research on the doula's part) yet, she won't press the
couple for more information than they are comfortable revealing.
At the onset of labor, some doulas will come to the
couple's home and help them through the beginning of labor until the
time arrives when they must leave for the hospital. Upon departure,
the doula can help the father prepare the mother, pack suitcases into
the car, make phone calls, and any other final tasks to be done.
Once at the hospital, and as labor increases in
intensity, the doula's role with the father becomes significant. The
deepening pain the mother experiences can spark new questions and
feelings in the father. Doulas are experienced in childbirth and have
a good understanding of what's normal in labor, as well as options to
consider if their labor doesn't follow typical lines. She will be in
constant attention to the parents, and can readily assure them that
their labor is progressing normally. If not, she can help give them a
better understanding of what's going on. She can explain certain
medical procedures, or gather further information from the doctors
and nurses if they desire.
When a couple goes through labor for the first time,
they have a partial conception of what typically happens during the
birthing process based on childbirth classes, or books they may have
read during pregnancy, and in hearing the birth stories of their
friends and family. However, as labor begins for them, a type of
confusion may set in. A hospital is an active place. The labor nurses
and the doctors have several patients to attend to, therefore they
are commonly in and out of the labor rooms the entire time. On less
busy days, they may spend more time with each individual patient.
Fear of the unknown plays a part during labor for parents. They study
the demeanor and facial expressions of the professionals attending
them for signs that all is well, or for signs of trouble. A doula's
countenance and manor can also be looked on by fathers as additional
assurance, a more personal assurance - since they usually will have
formed a relationship earlier in pregnancy. A father can feel more
comfortable being candid with their doulas than with the attending
nurses or physicians. She can be an advocate for their wishes, and
can ask the hospital staff questions for them.
As a father might look to a doula for assurance, the
mother looks to the father. She can better relax and help her baby
out if she has the confident, unwavering support of her partner. If
he appears nervous and unsure, she feels it. She may interpret his
behavior as confirmation of her fear that something must be wrong.
(The first-time mother can feel this readily, although things may be
going quite well.) If the father appears encouraging and strong, she
feels it. She may interpret this behavior as confirmation of her hope
that everything is all right.
The doula helps the father help the mother, sometimes
just by her presence. A doula will have some one-on-one contact with
the mother, massaging her into relaxation, talking her softly through
the pain, encouraging her to vary positions which speeds labor and
can lessen pain, and expressing support between contractions.
Sometimes the father will learn how to better help his partner by
observing her reactions to the doula. Fathers and doulas can team
their efforts in helping the mother as well. (i.e. "You massage
the right leg, I'll do the left.") They may use their strength
together to help the mother walk the halls, which also can speed
progress. They can take over helping the mother for each other when
one needs to use the restroom. When the time comes to push the baby
out, a common position for the mother is sitting up, with each knee
bent into her chest, supported by two people. There are many
positions the mother may use which require the physical support of
two people. In this, the combined efforts of both father and doula
can be very effective.
Upon delivery, Dad may want to observe his newborn
child's first medical assessments. The doula will remain by the
mother unless instructed otherwise. This enables the father to marvel
at the new life, make phone calls, or visit the restroom while the
mother continues to receive support. If he wishes, their doula can
make the calls while he stays with his partner.
One to two days after the delivery, the doula will
return to the couple for a postpartum visit, and to assist with
breastfeeding and newborn care if needed. This is a splendid
opportunity for the parents and their doula to exchange thoughts on
the birth. It's important for the couple to understand what went on
during their birth experience. In the midst of the pain and
excitement of delivery, understanding can be hard to gain until
afterward. During the doula's postpartum visit, any questions the
parents have about their birth will be discussed, and each will
hopefully be left with understanding and contentment about their
child's entrance into the world.
