The Role of a Doula
The role of a Doula in pregnancy is still relatively unknown in the UK, particularly in comparison to other countries.
There are many misconceptions about what a Doula is and the responsibilities during and following childbirth.
Essentially there are many differences between the role of a Doula and a Maternity Nurse.
What Does Doula Mean?
The word Doula originates from the Greek language and translates as a ‘helper’ or ‘caregiver’.
A Doula is a person, usually, a woman, who is not medically trained but who gives help and support to a woman during pregnancy and during and after the birth of her baby.
How a Doula Works
The role is to offer continuity of care helping to prepare you for the birth of your baby.
Furthermore, offering support for you and your partner during labour and postnatally.
Additionally, providing practical and emotional support.
Furthermore, to signpost you to evidence-based information.
This will enable you to make informed decisions about the care you receive.
During labour, you and your partner will be supported with different ideas for comfort measures and positions.
A Postnatal Doula will ease and nurture you through the transition with your baby during the fourth trimester.
She will ensure you are fed, hydrated and rested.
She is there to provide a listening ear, support and education with feeding, time to help you bond with your baby and practical support.
Is a Doula Right for You?
It is a common myth that Doulas are only hired if you are planning on an unmedicated birth.
This is not the case. A Doula is there to encourage you to be an advocate for yourself, to remind you of your options and to be with you whatever your decision and the outcome of the birth.
Women who feel listened to, respected, emotionally supported and receive continual care from their Doula will view the birth process as a much more positive experience.
Birth Partners are often surprised at how much they benefited from having a Doula as part of the birthing team.
As a partner, supporting a loved one through the process of labour can sometimes feel overwhelming.
A Doula can offer a calm presence, suggesting different comfort measures to offer and encouraging the partner to be an advocate.
The key to deciding on Doula support is to choose someone with who you feel a personal connection.
Someone who you feel comfortable with, who you trust to provide a calm, supportive and informative approach.
This will help those important oxytocin hormones to flow and so labour to progress!
What to Ask a Doula?
If this is your first experience hiring a Doula and you are keen to have this type of support, then you are likely to have many questions.
The following questions are an essential starting point to enable you to consider if this type of support is right for you, your baby and your partner;
- Are you available around my due date?
- What are your fees, and could you please send me a copy of your payment terms and conditions?
Additionally, once you have had feedback about availability and costs there may well be many other questions you have.
Here are some examples of many other commonly asked questions;
- How long have you been a doula? How many families have you worked for?
- Do you have a written contract in place? If yes, can you send it to me?
- Do you have a backup? If yes, who is your backup, and can I meet her?
- Under what circumstances would you send your backup?
- Are you insured for your work?
- Can you provide professional references?
- What training, courses or additional learning have you done?
- Explain your philosophy of childbirth, parenting and your work.
- What skills and abilities do you personally feel you bring to your role?
It’s a good idea to prepare a list of questions you may have in advance.
Likewise, it’s a good idea to do some research on appropriate websites. Two reputable websites are listed in the section below.
How to Find a Doula?
There are several resources in the UK that have a directory of Doulas.
Find my Doula is a website directory listing both qualified and trainee Doulas by postcode search.
Additionally, another useful resource for further information is Doula UK.
Furthermore, the website provides a broad range of information, including training and support for families.
Margaret Maternity can offer post-natal Doula support for expectant parents, for more information please fill out your details on our contact page.
