If you are a mother-to-be, it is normal to feel a little nervous and anxious along with the joy you feel. This feeling is especially heightened when you think about childbirth . How valuable it is to have someone by your side at a time like this to give you strength, encourage you, and make you understand everything? A doula is someone who provides such a valuable service. Let's talk about this today.
Who exactly is a doula?
Simply put, a doula is a professional who is specially trained to support a mother during childbirth. But there is something very important to remember here. A doula is not a doctor, a nurse, or a midwife. This means that she does not perform any medical work or administer medication.
The word 'doula' comes from the Greek language. It means "women supporting women." This is not really a new thing, it is a centuries-old tradition. In the past, experienced village women would help a mother prepare for childbirth. But now it is done professionally, with formal training.
Often, in a hospital birth , the nurse who is taking care of you may not be able to be with you all the time because they have to take care of several other mothers. But a doula's full attention is only on you.
A doula's main job is to provide the mother with continuous physical, mental, and emotional support during the challenging but beautiful journey of childbirth.
How can a doula help you?
A doula's support can be divided into three main areas. It is very important for you to be aware of these things.
| How to support | What help is available? |
|---|---|
| Physical Support | Things like gentle massage, practicing breathing techniques, and helping to move into positions that are more comfortable for labor can help reduce labor pain. |
| Emotional Support | This is the most important thing. You are encouraged to be strong and say, "You can do this." You are calmed down when you are scared or tired. You are constantly by your side from the moment you start labor until the baby is born. |
| Providing information (Informational Support) | She will explain to you in simple terms what happens during labor and the methods the doctors use. She will inform you of your options. But remember, she will not make decisions for you, she will only provide you with the information you need to make decisions. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with you and your doctor. |
What happens to the role of the husband (partner)?
Many people think that having a doula will replace the husband or partner. That is a completely wrong idea. A doula never takes the place of the husband. In fact, a doula provides great support to the husband as well. Childbirth is a very emotional and stressful time for the husband as well. There are times when he can't figure out what to do when he sees his wife in pain. A doula also guides the husband during this time and teaches him how to help his wife . Therefore, she is a great strength for both the mother and the father.
What are the benefits of having the support of a doula?
This is not just a story, it is something that has been proven by research. It has been found that the constant support of a doula reduces the complications that occur during childbirth.
- The need for Cesarean sections is significantly reduced.
- The frequency of requests for painkillers, such as epidurals, to reduce labor pain, is decreasing.
- There is a tendency for the duration of labor to be shorter.
- The need for drugs such as oxytocin to speed up labor is reduced.
- The use of instruments such as forceps delivery is decreasing.
- The emotional bond between mother and baby is strengthened.
Because of these advantages, many hospitals in developed countries even provide their own doula services to mothers.
How do you choose a good doula?
This service is not currently available in government hospitals in Sri Lanka. However, there are private providers who are trained to provide this service. If you are considering seeking the help of a doula, research these factors carefully before choosing one.
It is best to choose someone who is certified by an internationally recognized organization like DONA (Doulas of North America). During such training, they learn a lot about the physical and mental process of childbirth, pain management, and how to communicate with the mother.
When you talk to a doula, don't forget to ask these questions:
- What is your training and experience? (Ask about your training, certifications, and the number of births you have assisted.)
- What is your philosophy about childbirth? (See if her ideas match yours.)
- How can you support my birth plan?
- Can I contact you before and after delivery?
- When will you join us? At home? At the hospital?
- Do you have a backup doula if you can't come?
- How is your fare?
The answers to these questions will help you decide whether or not that doula is right for you.
Take-Home Message
- A doula is not a doctor or a nurse. She is a non-medical, trained birth assistant.
- Her main task is to provide continuous physical, psychological, and informational support to the mother during childbirth.
- A doula does not take the place of a husband or partner. She is a source of strength for both of them.
- Research has shown that having the support of a doula can reduce the number of cesarean sections, the use of painkillers, and other complications.
- If you are seeking the services of a doula, carefully research her training, experience, and vision and choose the one that is best for you.
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