The word doula comes from a Greek word meaning “woman who serves”. Women have been serving or helping other women during childbirth for hundreds of years. Historically, these women filled one of two roles – the midwife who performed the medical tasks of delivering the baby, and the mother’s attendant who gave comfort and support to the woman in labor.
In modern terms, a doula is a woman who fills the role of the mother’s attendant. There are actually two general categories of doulas – a birth doula and a postpartum doula. Used by itself, the word doula typically refers to the birth doula who is sometimes called a labor support companion. Most birth doulas are trained professionals who may be certified by one of several organizations. The goal of the doula is to provide physical and emotional support to the mother during delivery. She can also be a valuable source of information and help in interpreting confusing medical terminology.
The role of a birth doula is flexible based on the needs and desires of the mother and her supporting family. Most doulas are available for phone calls or meetings prior to the day of delivery to get to know the mother and her birth-partner and to discuss the birth plan. During delivery, the doula’s focus is on the mother and her partner to provide emotional and physical support. The doula can help reduce pain using breathing techniques, giving massages, or helping the mother adjust to a better labor position. Studies have shown that women who have a doula with them at birth tend to need less pain medication and are less likely to delivery by cesarean section.
Having a doula present can reduce stress for the mother and her family. Because she is experienced in dealing with the physical and emotional needs of women in labor, the doula can help guide family members to take care of the mother while she is in labor. At the same, the presence of the doula allows the father and other family members to be part of the delivery process to whatever degree they are comfortable or to step back if they become overwhelmed by the experience or the medical environment.
Using her training in the procedures used in delivery and her knowledge of the possible complications of childbirth, the doula can help the mother understand her options in planning her delivery including whether she wants pain medication or whether she wants to deliver by cesarean. The doula can also act as an advocate for the mother during the birthing process to ensure the mother’s plan is followed whenever possible, and to help the mother and her partner understand what is going on if any issues arise during delivery.
It is important to understand what a doula does not do during childbirth. The doula is not a trained medical professional and will not take the place of anyone on the medical team, including a doctor, nurse, or midwife. The doula is there to provide emotional and physical support to the mother while the medical team takes care of the health of mother and child. As someone who recognizes the importance of giving birth in the life of the mother, the doula can provide nurture and comfort to ensure the mother has strong, positive memories of the birth of her child.
Further reading:
• What is a Postpartum Doula?
• How to Choose a Doula
• What You Need to Know to Become a Doula
Sources:
DONA International
American Pregnancy Association
The Journal of Perinatal Education>
Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association
International Childbirth Education Association