While a doula isn’t a new development in the world of pregnancy, it’s a concept gaining new ground in the U.S. A doula is someone who serves as a part of the support group that helps expectant parents throughout the pregnancy, delivery and postpartum stages. In some states and regions, there are regulations requiring certain training or certifications. In others, the profession of a doula is unregulated. It pays to do a little research to decide what the term “doula” means in your region and what services and support you can expect.
What A Doula Does
The chief goal of a doula is to make the childbirth experience as safe and positive as possible. A doula provides expectant mothers with the physical, emotional, informational and other support that can allow them to embrace childbirth with as little stress, fear and anxiety as possible. The role of the doula begins long before delivery and will continue after the baby is born and the parents and child have returned home.
Labor Doula Dynamics
Labor doulas (often known as birth doulas) aren’t doctors or midwives. It isn’t their job to perform medically or clinically relevant tasks, but rather to help handle things like the logistics, planning, communications, and checklist preparation, or otherwise help bear the burdens of the impending delivery. Some doulas also offer specialized services like aromatherapy, massage therapy or other stress-relieving skills that can help expectant mothers delay or avoid the need for painkillers or other anesthesia. Finally, the labor doula will also help to integrate the father or partner into the delivery process, taking the time and care to explain what is happening and offer objective assessments of what is and has been going on.
The Postpartum Doula
Postpartum doulas take on their roles after the delivery. This could last a few days or a few weeks after the new baby is born. This is a critical time period for new mothers, who are busy attempting to take on their new role while still performing their regular day-to-day duties like housecleaning, cooking or finding the time out for much needed rest. Postpartum doulas can help make this a smoother transition for new mothers and fathers while eliminating much of the stress and confusion that can translate into postpartum depression. For this reason, many mothers feel as though they could never have made a successful transition into their role as a new mom without the aid of their postpartum doula.
Finding a Doula
A quick Internet search can easily help you locate a doula operating within your area. While the services of a doula are rarely covered by your medical insurance plan, there are volunteer doulas and community networks that provide the services of a doula at discounted or free rates. Because this is such an intimate time in your life, it makes sense to meet with and “interview” potential doulas before settling on the one you’ll rely on throughout the delivery process.
