Many women I run into in this profession ask this question.
Why do I need you?
What are you going to do for me that my husband can’t?
Understandable. Most women don’t even know what a Doula is. So that is where I like to start.
What exactly IS a Doula?
A Doula is a non-medical, professional support person. A Doula supports not only the mother but the entire family during pregnancy, labor and even postpartum. We are full of helpful information, resources, tips, and knowledge to share with our clients. We help guide clients to learn about the process of birth, breastfeeding, newborn care and especially her rights during labor. Every woman has an ideal plan for how they would like to deliver their baby. No matter what, our job is to make sure that, at the end of the day, the mother is satisfied and happy with her labor experience.
A Doula’s support during pregnancy can span from going to prenatal appointments with the mother to collecting resources in the area for prenatal yoga, prenatal fitness classes or even support groups for single moms. We do our research and collect all the information for our clients so that they can relax more and enjoy the pregnancy. Some Doulas do Child Birth Education classes, Breastfeeding classes and Labor Support classes for family members who will attend the birth. But that is just a small part of a Doulas job. The physical support comes during the labor process.
Labor, Delivery, and the role of the Doula
Labor is my absolute favorite part of being a Doula. Nothing is more endorphin inducing that helping a woman birth a baby. I could live off that high for weeks. The job of a Doula during labor can vary depending on the needs of the family. Some women wish for the Doula to step back and make sure that the supporting family members are taken care of and other mothers want the Doula to be completely hands-on and in the moment. The Doula is there to support and help anyone in the delivery room. This is where I like to tell my personal story of when I delivered my daughter.
I did not have a doula and it has been one of my biggest regrets.
My labor was completely uncomplicated. Knowing what I know now, I probably would have held off a little longer on the epidural, but over all, it was very smooth. I had my epidural at 4cm and my labor ended up being about 13 hours long. 13 hours, I was not allowed to eat or drink. I was starving and like a good husband, Jim followed suit and starved himself in fear that he would miss a second of this baby being born. This was our grave mistake and ultimate undoing. Little Abigayle was born vaginally and without any complications. After settling in and our last visitor leaving for the night, Jim went to the house to pick up his work computer and take some medicine for his raging hunger headache. He didn’t come back. He passed out at home from fatigue and hunger. I spent the first night with our baby girl in the hospital alone.
A Doula’s work goes beyond just the comfort of the mother, but the family members as well. If I had a Doula during my labor, my husband would be able to eat and sleep comfortably knowing that he would never miss a second of his daughter’s birth.
Labor support also includes positioning the mother, supporting her through contractions, reaffirming her birth plans and advocating for them when they feel unheard. It all stems around what the mother wants and needs to have a successful and positive birth experience. That is the goal!
Postpartum care and beyond
Of course, after the baby is born, we don’t leave our clients high and dry. Postpartum care is an important role in our clients well being and health. Some Doulas provide postpartum care including housework, baby care and mother care. All Doulas will follow up with the mother by visiting her at home and going over and concerns she may have about herself, the baby or the delivery. Postpartum care is important for us to assess if the mother may be having difficulties and need professional help. We also provide local resources for postpartum fitness, support groups, breastfeeding education and lactation consultants.
Most women find that, once they learn what a Doula is, they feel more confident to make the decision on if they want one. I have never met a woman who regretted the decision to add the extra support to their delivery team, but I have met plenty (including myself) who wished they did. A Doula is an indispensable amount of knowledge and support during one of the scariest, exciting and most stressful times of a woman’s life. Only YOU will know if a Doula is the right path to take. Always remember that your Doula is going to be a huge part of the magical process of bringing your human into this world. Make sure that you and your Doula are on the same page, share similar values and, for lack of a better term, clique. After all, your Doula is there for YOU and there to make YOU happy.
Caitlyn Rankel
Labor to Love, LLC
(856) 452-1641 | labortolovedoula@gmail.com