A doula is something that often gets asked about in my hypnobirthing group course (if you have no idea what I'm talking about, this article will give you all the information that you need!). Who is with you at your birth can make a real difference to your birth experience and a doula could be a great addition to your birthing team (and complement your hypnobirthing birth preparation).
In this blog post we’ll explore what a doula is, how they can help you and how to find the best doula for you. We'll also share some practical tips to help you make the most of their support if you decide to use one.
Just like ‘Hypnobirthing’, the word ‘doula' comes with its fair share of myths! So first things first…
What is a Doula?
A doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and educational support to you and your partner before, during, and shortly after childbirth. The term "doula" comes from ancient Greek, meaning "a woman who serves." Doulas are not medical professionals, but they are highly knowledgeable about the birthing process. Their role is to provide continuous (and unconditional) support to both you and your partner.
How can a doula support you?
Emotional Support
One of the primary roles of a doula is to provide emotional support throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. You might have fears and anxieties about the birthing process or as you transition into motherhood. A doula can help you navigate these feelings by offering reassurance and encouragement. They are trained to listen to your concerns and provide comforting words and practical advice. This continuous emotional support can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, helping you feel more confident and relaxed as you approach your due date.
Practical Tip: Make a list of questions and concerns to discuss with your doula before each visit.
Physical Support
During labour, a doula provides continuous physical support. This might include suggesting different positions to help labour progress, providing massage, and assisting with breathing/relaxation techniques.
Practical Tip: Practice various birth positions and breathing techniques with your doula at your antenatal visits so that they are instinctive when labour comes along.
Advocacy
A key role of a doula is advocating for your birth preferences and making sure that your wishes are communicated to the medical staff and that you feel heard and respected. This advocacy can be particularly valuable in high-stress situations, where it might be challenging to express your needs clearly.
Practical Tip: Work with your doula to create a detailed birth plan that outlines your preferences for labour and birth. Share this plan with your midwife at your antenatal appointment (usually around 34 weeks) and bring copies to the hospital or birth centre.
Partner Support
Doulas are there to support not just you, but also your partner. They can provide guidance on how your partner can best support you during labour, helping them feel more involved and confident.
Practical Tip: Include your partner in your meetings with your doula. Discuss ways they can support you during labour, such as providing comfort measures, communicating with the medical team, and offering emotional support. Tell your partner how you would like to be supported and ask them how they would like to support you.
Information
Doulas are highly knowledgeable about pregnancy and childbirth. They can provide information about the different stages of labour, pain relief options and local maternity services to help you make informed decisions.
Practical Tip: Prepare a list of questions and topics you want to discuss with your doula. This might include information about your local hospital, the benefits and risks of interventions, and strategies for dealing with pain.
Postnatal Support
Many doulas offer postnatal support, helping you navigate the early days and weeks of motherhood. This might include assistance with breastfeeding, newborn care, practical support around the house, and emotional support as you process your birth and adjust to your new role. Birth doulas do at least one postnatal visit.
Practical Tip: Choose a doula who also provides postnatal support if this is important to you (i.e. a doula who works both as a birth and postnatal doula). Booking the postnatal visits antenatally can provide some much-needed reassurance and support in the first days and weeks after birth.
How to choose the Right Doula for you?
1. Research: Look for doulas in your area (Check out Doula UK or Hampshire doulas if you are in the Hampshire area) and read reviews from other parents. You can also ask for recommendations from your healthcare providers or local parenting groups.
2. Interviews: Schedule interviews with as many people as possible to find somebody who you have a real connection with. Ask about their experience, approach, and availability. Ask about their training, certification, and philosophy on birth.
Specific questions you may wish to ask potential doulas:
· What are they going to offer you and what is the cost?
· Are they a birth doula only or do they also work as a postnatal doula?
· How many antenatal and postnatal visits do they offer?
· What kind of coping strategies do they use for birth e.g. Massage techniques?
· How long will they stay after the birth e.g. 1 hour?
· How long are they on call for e.g. Many doulas will be on call from 38 weeks until the baby is born.
· Do they work with a back-up person in case of holidays/sickness/unexpected circumstances?
3. Compatibility: Choose a doula who you genuinely connect with – somebody you trust and feel comfortable with. Follow your instincts and choose someone who respects your birth preferences and makes you feel at ease. Can you imagine them in your birth space? Do you/your partner feel safe with them?
Conclusion
A doula can be a valuable ally in your pregnancy and birth journey, and a great complement to your hypnobirthing and antenatal birth preparation. By offering continuous support and advocating for your preferences, a doula can help you create a positive and empowering birth experience. If you're considering hiring a doula, we hope these practical tips help you make the most of their support.
For more information about Hypnobirthing or Postnatal courses in Winchester including free monthly taster sessions, visit Positive Birthing and Parenting or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
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