What does a birth doula do? A comprehensive guide

When expecting a child, many parents seek support to navigate the life changing experience of childbirth. A birth doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals and families during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period. In this blog we’ll explore what a birth doula does, their benefits and why hiring one might be the right choice for you. This guide is about information that parents may find useful.

Who is Birth Doula?

A birth doula is a non medical professional who supports expectant parents through the childbirth process. Unlike midwives or obstetricians, doula don’t provide medical care but focus on offering comfort, encouragement, and advocacy. They work alongside healthcare providers to ensure a positive and empowering birth experience.

Key Roles of a Birth Doula

A birth doula’s role is multifacted, tailored to the unique needs of each client. Here’s a breakdown of what they do:

1. Emotional Support During Pregnancy and Labour

   Doulas provide a calming presence, helping parents feel confident and empowered. They listen to concerns, offer reassurance, and help reduce anxiety. During labor, a doula might:

   ~ Use calming techniques like guided breathing or visualizations.

   ~ Offer words of encouragement to boost morale.

   ~ Create a supportive environment by respecting the birth person’s preferences.

2. Informational Support

   Doulas educate parents about options, helping them make informed decisions. This includes:

   ~ Explaining medical procedures and interventions ( e.g. epidurals, c-sections ).

   ~ Helping create a birth plan that reflects the parents’ preferences.

   ~ Providing evidence based resources on childbirth and postpartum care.

3. Physical support during labor

   Doulas are skilled in comfort measures to ease labor pains and promote progress. Common techniques include:

   ~ Massage and counterpressure to relieve back pain or discomfort.

   ~ Positioning and suggestions to help labor progress, such as walking, squatting, or using a birthing ball.

   ~ Pain management techniques like guiding parents through breathing exercises or hydrotherapy.

4. Advocacy During Childbirth

   A doula acts as an advocate, ensuring the birthing person’s wishes are communicated to medical staff. They don’t speak for the parents but help them ask questions and understand their opinions, fostering a sense of control.