What is a Doula?
What is a Doula?
A doula supports families with a focus on the birthing person before, during, and after labor.
Pregnancy and birth is a transformational time in a person’s life, and can feel both exciting and overwhelming. You are not alone, and hiring a doula can help you feel more empowered as you navigate this special time.
A doula’s role is to help you sort through your options, without judgement, so that you are empowered to plan for the birth you desire. In addition to providing good quality information and helping you know which questions to ask your provider, a doula offers emotional and physical support throughout your pregnancy and at your birth. Postpartum doula services provide support after the birth to help you adjust to life with a baby.
“Tiffani is one of the gentlest, most patient and caring people I know. You can be sure that she’ll support you, speak up for you, and help you diplomatically maintain your boundaries.”
Birth and Postpartum Doula Support
During Pregnancy
- Before labor begins, a doula is a resource for accurate up-to-date information about pregnancy, labor, and delivery. A doula helps you and your partner find answers to your questions about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
- Shares information about labor and delivery and the effects of medical interventions without bias. A doula can answer questions about what those interventions could be and how they may help or interfere with the natural progression of labor.
- Helps you and your partner create your very own birth plan prior to labor.
- Shares techniques for you to practice that may ease the laboring process and birth.
- Is a constant resource of emotional support, understanding your needs as you prepare for labor.
During Labor and Childbirth
- As labor begins, a doula can answer non-medical questions and help you look for signs of what stage of labor you are in.
- Stays with you through your entire labor and childbirth.
- Provides emotional support and physical comfort measures including suggestions of ways to cope with the discomfort of labor.
- If a partner is present, a doula can help them participate, by offering suggestions on how to best offer comfort.
- Helps you reference your birth plan when medical intervention is offered.
- While a doula cannot speak for you, she can help you formulate questions to ask your medical staff.
- In the event of a cesarean, a doula will stay with you, allowing your partner to attend to the baby immediately after the birth.
Postpartum
- A doula offers resources and support for the adjusting family.
- Will come to your home for a postpartum visit, where she can answer your questions, offer support and guidance on breastfeeding/chestfeeding, and reassure you during these early days of parenting.
Why Hire a Doula?
- Current research shows that having a doula can decrease the chances of a cesarean, decrease the need for pain management during labor, and increase chances of having a spontaneous vaginal birth.
- A birthing person is going through a lot, and having a doula present gives them a constant support person, someone who is entirely focused on how to help them navigate their physical and emotional needs.