I know, I know, all of a sudden people are hearing about doulas and women utilizing doulas during one of the most life altering times in their lives. While doula services are on the rise, there are still so many women and families that don't even know what a doula is or how to even find one. Doulas have actually been around for ages. When women gave birth years ago, they would have other women and friends support them during the process. Home births were more common then and doulas were there to support emotional and physical support. As the years went on, doulas started to fade. Women started to give birth more at hospitals, which seemed to make the need of a doula unnecessary. But you know how they say things come "full circle"? Doulas are making a comeback!
What is a doula?
The technical definition of a doula is a non-medical person that provides emotional and
physical support to women and their families mainly during pregnancy and postpartum. There are doulas that offer support during other phases of life as well but we will get to that a little later. They can also provide educational information and referrals to families as well. The end goal is to make sure that women are as supported as possible. Having this support has been proven to create more positive outcomes during the pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum period.
What does a birth doula do?
Just for clarity a doula is not a midwife. Midwives are trained and certified to deliver babies. Doulas on the other hand, are trained to offer support, as midwives and providers bring those babies into the world. Doulas often turn to holistic remedies to help their clients. Using meditation and other approaches for women during pregnancy and labor. Birth doulas can also provide education not only to the mothers, but to fathers and any other family members as well. This helps to make them feel more empowered and ready to support their partner/loved one.
Doulas are by their client's side the entire time, making sure that emotional needs are met. Birthing women need this. It helps to reduce stress and possible interventions. It's been shown that having a birth doula can decrease the chance of having a c-section, (there is absolutely nothing wrong with this if you decide to do this or it's medically necessary, but sometimes, a c-section is not needed.) it can decrease the need for medication, it can help speed up the labor and birthing process, and also help women feel more empowered and safe in their birthing space.
What is a postpartum doula?
It's important to have that support during pregnancy, labor and delivery, but what happens when you go home? Where is the support? Postpartum doulas are there to help with that. Postpartum doulas are there to help the mothers and their families as they transition into life with a new baby at home. Bringing a new baby home comes with so many challenges. It's exciting but it can also be very difficult to adjust. Newborns need so much care and so do the mothers of these babies.
Postpartum doulas are able to provide care to new mothers and their families while mom is healing. They can complete household chores, they can run errands, prepare meals for the the family, they can take care of baby while mom rests, and they can also teach mom and family techniques to help take care of the new baby. The list of things a postpartum doula can do goes on and on. This role isn't new either. Years ago and even now in other countries, women are supported up to six weeks and even longer so that they can fully recover. Some countries have rituals that they go by after a baby is born to make sure that mom has the support that she needs. Women's bodies are going through so many changes after delivery, both hormonal and physically. Having this support is incredibly important.
Types of doulas
There are several types of doulas. Not just birth and postpartum, but there are antepartum doulas, bereavement doulas, fertility doulas, end of life or death doulas, sex doulas, and so on. There are so many different types of doulas and people that have a calling to serve and support families through a variety of life events.
How can you find a doula?
I'm sure your next question is, "how can I find a doula?" There are several ways to do this. You can ask your provider or midwife. Some hospitals and facilities actually employ doulas so that patient's can utilize them if need be. Word of mouth is another great way to find a doula as well. Hearing that someone you know has an experience with a doula you are interested in is a plus. That way you know if they could potentially be a good fit for you or not. You can also use the trusty web. Searching social media and Google can be helpful! Research your doula and read their reviews if they have any. If you're considering hiring a doula, set up a consultation to get to know each other a little better. Both you and the doula must make sure that you will be able to work with each other. Sometimes personalities can clash or maybe the doula may not have all of the offerings that you are looking for. If that's the case, don't give up. Doulas often can refer you to other doulas that may be a better fit.
Doulas are important. They've been around since the very beginning adding value to families throughout life's journeys, supporting, and encouraging them as they navigate and grow. Until next time, sending you peace, love, and light.
Your nurtured by tiff doula!
Tiffany Underwood
https://www.staffingattiffanies.com/2022/03/02/history-of-the-doula/
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