Doula? What’s that?

My husband often says that there should be a different word for doula. He thinks it sounds funny, and unless you know what it is there is really no way to decipher the meaning of the word. What is a doula? I like to think of a doula as a companion. Some people use the words birth coach, but to me birth companion explains it best. I am a companion because my role can shift and change depending on what you need. If you need a shoulder to cry on, I’m there. Do you need a cheerleader? That’s me. Sometimes it’s just a listening ear that people want. To me, companion also fits because this is a mutual relationship that exists on trust and understanding. We are birth companions who walk alongside you as you navigate the experience of bringing your baby into the world. There are four main roles a doula fulfills (physical support, emotional support, informational support, and advocacy), and I’ll explain each of those below.

Physical support can include comfort measures for labor and birth. Think massage, hip squeezes, assistance with position changes, etc. It can also include reminders to eat, drink, and rest for both you and your partner. This support often begins during pregnancy by teaching you and your support person many of the tools we utilize to increase comfort during labor and birth. On the day of birth, we may assist with hands-on support if that’s what you need. We also may help set up your physical space in a way that fosters more connection between you and your partner.

Emotional support is a listening ear and holding space. We are not therapists. However, we are people who work with many other individuals going through similar experiences to you, and this allows us to listen and encourage from an experienced and unbiased place. Again, this role begins in pregnancy when we discuss hopes and fears around having a baby. On the day of birth, this relationship and prior conversations allow us to help you navigate any emotional experiences that come up as you work to bring your baby into your arms. When our clients need emotional support that goes beyond our scope, we refer our clients to professional therapists and/or support groups for parents.

Informational support includes lots of education. In our prenatal meetings, we’ll talk all about the physiologic process of birth. We also talk about your options and how to communicate your preferences. Other areas of education may include nutrition, movement, postpartum recovery, and infant feeding. You are always welcome to come to us with questions or curiosities about any topic relating to the perinatal period. On your birthing day we continue offering informational support by asking questions, defining medical lingo, and ensuring you understand all of the options in front of you.

Advocacy in a doula’s role includes helping you speak up for yourself. A strong relationship with you is paramount for this because that is what helps us have a deep understanding of who you are and what feels most important to you. We may practice advocacy with you prenatally so that you or your partner feel comfortable speaking with medical staff. On the day of birth, we work to create an environment that feels team-oriented and supportive of you. We can help with communicating your birth preferences, asking questions, and if needed making sure you have time and space to make decisions for yourself.

If you want to chat more about our role as doulas in your own journey, you can schedule a call here.