What does a birth
doula do?
A birth doula…
- believes in the birth process
and works to impart that same confidence to her clients
- recognizes birth as a key life
experience that the mother will remember all her life and strives to preserve
that memory in a positive way
- understands the physiology
of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
- assists the woman and her partner
in preparing for and carrying out their plans for the birth
- stays by the side of the laboring
woman throughout the entire labor
- provides emotional support,
physical comfort measures, and reminds the couple of their options throughout
labor
- preserves and complements the
partner's role in the birth, encouraging them to support the laboring woman
as they are most comfortable and supporting them as they do so
- offers an objective viewpoint
and assistance to the woman in getting the information she needs to make
informed decisions about her care
- advocates for the woman by
facilitating communication between the her and her partner, and her clinical
care providers
- strives to facilitate labor
progress by maintaining a calm labor environment with lighting and music
and minimal distractions
A doula does
not…
- perform clinical tasks, such
as vaginal exams or fetal heart rate monitoring. However, I WILL
provide physical and emotional support to you and your partner.
- make decisions for you. However,
I WILL help you get the information you need to make an informed
decision about your care. I will also remind you of your wishes as outlined
in your birth plan.
- speak to the medical staff on
your behalf. However, I WILL listen to your concerns and review options
with you that you and your partner can discuss with the clinical staff.
- replace the father during labor.
However, I WILL support and encourage the father and enhance his
support style rather than replace it.
