The Role of the Birth Doula

The role of the birth doula is to provide emotional, physical, and informational support to the birthing woman. The birth doula is a non-medical professional trained in childbirth and all that the birthing woman may need to assist and nurture her (and her partner!) in the birthing experience. She may use tools to support a birthing woman, such as massage, breath work, birth balls and peanuts, music, meditation, aromatherapy, and positioning suggestions. The doula is a source of encouragement, familiarity, and wisdom in the birth room. The doula is attuned to detail and emotions, well-read, and keeps up to date on the latest evidence-based birth research and findings.

Having a doula attend your birth can reduce:

•  the need for an epidural or other medications to manage pain
  
• the length of your labor
  
• the occurrence of giving birth by cesarean section
  
• the chance of using vacuum extraction or forceps
  
• your baby’s likelihood of having a low Apgar score rating of well-being five minutes after the birth

It has been noted that a woman rates her birth experience as positive if she feels supported, well cared for, and allowed to be a part of the decision making process during the birth.   A birth doula respects the birthing woman’s choices and assists the mother in having HER birth. 

The postpartum doula is an evidence-based trained professional that nurtures the family following the birth. She offers non-judgmental support, encouragement, and a listening ear to aide in this transitional time. The postpartum doula comes to the home during the fourth trimester (the first three months after birth) to provide non-medical care to the mother and family by:

• assisting with newborn care and accompanying tasks (laundry, bottle and pump part washing, etc.)
• feeding support for the baby and meal preparation for the family 
• contributing to household organization and tips
• modeling behavior around a newborn’s and postpartum woman’s needs
• assessing the family’s needs and providing information on options
• offering resources and referrals to relevant professionals, groups, and services
• reassuring the family regarding normal newborn behavior and the adjustment of other children in the family
• supporting the mother and her partner in expressing and processing their emotions regarding the birth and their new roles

 
A postpartum doula does not solely care for the baby/babies, but allows the clients to take on parenting by being well-informed and supported while the doula takes on some of the other tasks. The doula knows that YOU are the expert on your baby and is there to support you emotionally and practically during this time of transition. 

  Having a postpartum doula accompany families at this time has shown to:

• reduce the onset of postpartum depression
• increase the success rate of breastfeeding
• reduce familial stress
• increase  confidence in parenting