5 Doulas Do’s and 5 Doula Don'ts
During my doula journey, I’ve heard these questions asked time and time again. What is a doula? What do you do? So, you’re not a midwife? Why would someone want a doula?
You’re here because You want to know EXACTLY what a Doula does and doesn’t! Being informed about the benefits of a labor support person like a Doula can help expectant mothers find the right Doula for them. A Doula for every woman who wants one!
The Do’s
Provide Childbirth Education
Your Doula should be able to share with you all the in’s and outs of your pregnancy and labor. She should be able to answer questions that come up regarding what to expect in pregnancy. From weight gain, hormonal changes, fetal development, and more. Providing evidence-based research, therefore giving you a greater chance of making informed decisions about your labor and birth. Increasing your knowledge and making communication with your health care provider more efficient.
2. Support you physically and emotionally
Your doula will help you with coping measures to get through the waves of labor. That can look like massages, walking with you, and assisting your partner as they provide support. Birthing space is also important. Your doula can help to protect the space. By keeping the lighting low, voices down, and just the overall presence in the room: calm and relaxed, or energized and upbeat! Whatever the family needs at that time.
3. Inform you on your Birthing Options
Your Doula can be a resource of information on your birthing options. Providing the pros and cons of routine hospital procedures and interventions. Helping you to make the best decision based on your past and current health, navigating through your provider’s recommendations, and you and your family’s preferences. Using B.R.A.I.N is a great way to remember to ask all the questions to make an informed decision.
4. Provide Postpartum Support
The care and support provided during the 4th trimester are essential!
Your doula should be able to offer education, non-judgmental support and companionship during your 4th trimester. We are also available to help with newborn care, breastfeeding support, and helping the family adjust to their new normal. Doulas can even provide assistance with meal prep and light housework.
5. Provide local community resources
Your doula may have access or knowledge of local services that would be of great benefit to families before, during and after birth. I like to provide my clients with a BeeReady Resouces File that they can access when needed.
The Don’ts
Provide medical treatment
Doulas are not trained, medical professionals. Checking and/or interpreting blood pressure, cervical examinations or even prescribing treatment are all outside of Doula’s scope of care. Doulas are trained in providing emotional and physical support to expectant families during pregnancy and labor. We are trained to provide education on the stages of labor and comfort measures. We also provide evidence-based information and advocacy.
2. Make decisions for you and your family
Your doula can not tell you what is best for you. Nor how you should proceed in any given situation regarding your pregnancy and birth. By providing evidence-based research, she can help you make informed decisions and advocate on your behalf.
3. Push their Agenda
There are many doulas available for families that desire the support of a Doula. Your Doula should meet your needs. She should be aligned with your preferences for your birth experience. Regardless of personal experience or opinions about the birthing community, she should support you!
4. Take the Fathers Place
A Doula is part of the Birthing team! The father has intimate knowledge of you, while a doula has intimate knowledge of birth. I will involve the father in the process of learning how to help the mother stay relaxed and cope with the waves of labor. Teaching massage techniques and body movements that help with labor. With a doula, the mother will always have someone there giving support. Fathers can eat, use the bathroom, or make those important calls to family members all while knowing the mother is fully supported and not alone!
5. Promise specific birth experience or outcome
Hiring a Doula will not guarantee a specific birth outcome. Birth is unpredictable. Being informed and educated on the ebb and flow of labor and birth can lead you to feel positive and empowered about your birth experience.
If you or someone you love is looking for a doula, please contact me and let's talk about what it takes to BeeReady!
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