As you approach childbirth, a lot of things come to mind, right? It's normal to feel a mix of emotions, such as a little fear, curiosity, and joy. At this time, how nice it would be to have someone to hold your hand, give you strength, and be by your side throughout this journey? Today, in addition to the medical staff, we are talking about someone who provides you with special mental and physical support. That is the assistant called a 'doula'.
Who is a doula? Simply put...
A doula is not a doctor, nurse, or midwife. They do not provide medical care . That means they cannot deliver a baby, administer medication, or give medical advice.
So what is their role?
Simply put, a doula is a trained support person who provides emotional and physical support to you and your family during pregnancy, labor, and the first few weeks after birth. They are like your own trusted, knowledgeable friend. They are there to advocate for your needs, to be your strength, and to help make this experience as beautiful and comfortable as possible.
The most important thing is that a doula is not a replacement for medical staff. They are an additional link that supports you along with the medical team.
What are the opportunities for using a doula?
A doula's services can vary depending on your needs. There are three main situations where you can seek their help. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Opportunity to provide support | How they help you |
|---|---|
| Antepartum/Birth Doula |
|
| Labor/Birth Doula |
|
| After childbirth (Postpartum Doula) |
|
Are doula and midwife the same person?
Yes. This is something that many people get confused about. The "midwife" or family health service officer that we know so well in Sri Lanka and a doula are two completely different roles. It is very important to understand this difference.
| Section | Doula | Midwife (Family Health Service Officer) |
|---|---|---|
| Training | No medical training. I have completed certified training programs in providing assistance. | A registered, medically trained healthcare professional. (Trained healthcare provider). |
| Main role | Providing mental and physical support. Standing up for the mother. | Monitoring low-risk pregnancies and deliveries. Providing medical services. |
| Things that can be done | Comfort, massage, teaching breathing techniques, communicating the mother's thoughts to the medical team. | Conducting medical examinations, delivering the baby, treating basic gynecological problems, advising on breastfeeding and family planning. |
| Things that cannot be done | Providing medical advice, prescribing medication, delivering a child, and conducting medical tests. | High-risk deliveries or complex surgeries (which require specialist doctors). |
What are the benefits of a doula?
Research has even confirmed that receiving the support of a doula provides many benefits to a mother and family.
- A more positive experience: With the support of a doula, childbirth can become a more positive and empowering experience for the mother.
- Reduced labor time: Some studies have shown that mothers who receive doula support may have shorter labor times.
- Reduced Caesarean Sections: There is evidence that the need for Caesarean sections (`C-sections`) is reduced with the support of a doula.
- Reduced use of painkillers: Because a doula helps with pain management and comfort, there may be less need for painkillers.
- Breastfeeding Success: A doula can be a great help in making breastfeeding successful after childbirth.
How do I find a doula? How much does it cost?
Since the concept of doulas is still relatively new to Sri Lanka, it can be difficult to find them as a member of the hospital staff. You will have to make some personal efforts to do this.
The best thing to do is to ask your doctor about this. They may know of someone who provides this service. You can also ask friends and family about this.
Before choosing a doula, it's a good idea to meet and talk to them in person if you can. Don't forget to ask questions like these:
- What is your training? Where did you get your training?
- What certificates do you have?
- How many births have you attended?
- How much do you charge for your service?
- How do you act in an emergency?
When it comes to costs, health insurance usually doesn't cover this. So you'll have to pay the full cost. Fees can vary greatly depending on each doula and the services they provide. So be sure to discuss this in advance.
The most important thing is to choose someone who is a good fit for you, someone you can trust, someone who is knowledgeable, and someone you feel comfortable with.
Take-Home Message
- A doula is a trained, but non-medical, support person who provides emotional and physical support to the mother before, during, and after childbirth.
- They do not perform medical treatment, administer medication, or deliver babies.
- A doula and a midwife (family health worker) are two people who perform two completely different roles .
- Studies have shown that having the support of a doula has many benefits, such as reduced cesarean sections, reduced use of painkillers, and a more positive birth experience.
- You should try to find a doula in Sri Lanka on your own, and the cost is usually not covered by insurance. Talk to your doctor about anything.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න