By Lori Mork

When I tell my friends and family that I am a Doula they look at me with that blank stare and often blurt out “huh?”

Some think I am catching babies and screaming at clients to push. Thanks to movies and our society for showing us what LABOUR IS NOT!

First of all, let me tell you, EVERYONE is recommending Doulas now! Because they know the benefits! They know it’s amazing! The WHO (World HEalth Organization actually started really recommending people use Doulas at all world’s globally in 2016! World Health Organization(WHO) Recommends Doulas Attend All Births Globally – International Doula Institute

A Doula is a trained professional experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, birth and early postpartum. 

A Doula is a non-medical support person who helps you emotionally, physically, and who keeps you informed and empowered. Not to be confused with a Midwife or Doctor. To give practical examples, a Doula would be at your birth helping you to breath, using massage techniques for any pain or discomfort, helping with movement or position changes to progress labour, and keeping your partner/support person hydrated. A Midwife/Doctor is a medical professional whose primary focus is the health and safety of you and your baby. A midwife/doctor’s priority is to ensure the baby’s vital signs are stable, assess you and the baby, complete cervical exams when needed, administer medications if applicable, and catch the baby you are birthing. A Doula and a Midwife/Doctor go together like peanut butter & jelly, Batman & Robin, and Shrek & Donkey (you get my point!).

Historically, childbearing relied on a close-knit community supporting and assisting in labour, birth, and early care. Today’s society is so busy that women are not being supported by that ‘village’ anymore. The medical systems are understaffed, overworked, and do not have the capacity to provide care, compassion, and support. Remember it is their main job to ensure mom and baby are safe and healthy. Everyone should have a team rallying around them – the more the merrier!

But isn’t that what my husband or partner is for? I get asked this a lot. And my hard answer is NO. They are there to be your husband/partner. They aren’t trained in birthing. They don’t have experience in supporting someone having a baby. Birthing can be an emotional and stressful time for all. Doulas help to ensure your partner can focus on loving and supporting you, and the Doula takes care of everything else. Often, many find that their partner is more involved in the process when they have a Doula there to guide them on how best to provide support. A Doula isn’t there to replace your partner/support person. The role of Doula is to amplify support for everyone involved. A Doula can enhance the birth experience by providing a calm presence and allow everyone to participate at their own level of comfort. Some practical examples are showing your husband or partner how to perform hip squeezes to help comfort you. Or breathing techniques and ways in which they can also support your labour. 

Havard Health is also a huge supporter of hiring Doulas. What does a birth doula do? – Harvard Health

What are the benefits of having a Doula? I could state a bunch of studies, provide supporting evidence and facts, but let’s sum it up and keep it simple:

*Doulas provide unbiased evidence-based resources so you can stay informed and empowered throughout your pregnancy and birth. They help you prepare better by asking questions you may not have considered.

*Doulas have more coping methods to help ease the stress and pain of labour. 

*Doulas help you to have fewer interventions (such as the need for Pitocin, C-section, or pain medications).

*Doulas help to reduce labour time.

*A Doula is another set of hands for you and your baby. Who doesn’t want and need extra attention and care?

*Doulas can help navigate confusing situations. It is a busy, stressful time, and they are there to help lower stress and anxiety for all involved.

*People who use a Doula are more likely to rate their birth journey as a positive experience. 

I also get asked often, “how do I know what Doula is the right one for me!?” You deserve the best! Most Doulas have access to the same tools and resources, but each Doula is unique in personality and ways in which they support, so here are 3 easy ways to help you choose one:

*Trust your gut! You will know if the Doula’s personality and energy are a good fit for you and your partner. It’s like a ‘vibe’ between you – your intuition will help you decide. 

*Determine what you are looking for, and then find the Doula that can unconditionally support you. Determine your wish list for your birthing wants and needs, and then find the Doula who can ensure your birth-vision success.  

*Don’t overthink it. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by outside noise. When the connection feels right, go for it! Move forward and add this valuable person to your birth TEAM!

Growing a human is hard work! Doulas are here to help to make it less-hard!

Happy Birthing!

Lori