Today, many women are reverting to a natural birthing process, much like their grandmothers went through. Doulas, also known as midwives, are becoming the choice of thousands of pregnant women world wide. If you are considering the services of a doula, there are a few things you should take into consideration.
Today, many women are choosing doulas to assist in childbirth instead of gynecologists. Doulas perform a variety of services and can aid in delivery of your baby at home or in the labor and delivery room of the local hospital. Also known as midwives, doulas have been delivering babies for centuries. However, before choosing a doula to assist you in childbirth there’s a few things you should be aware of.
What is a Doula?
A doula is a woman who has experience or has taken special education in the safe labor and delivery of babies. Doula is defined as a “woman caregiver.” She stays by your side throughout your labor and delivery to assure that things progress normally and safely and gives you emotional and physical support. A doula may or may not offer prenatal and postnatal care.
A doula cares for the mother. She encourages, comforts and supports you through your pregnancy, labor and delivery. She informs you on your condition and helps you communicate with health care professionals if you’ve chosen to give birth in a hospital setting. She helps you cope while you’re in labor, rubs your back, puts cool compresses on your forehead, wipes perspiration from your brow, holds your head while you vomit, holds your legs when you bear down and holds your hand to give comfort. She will stay close to your side and give you pieces of ice to suck on as well as emotional and physical support. She often agrees to be a photographer and always takes your partner’s needs into consideration. If you are delivering the baby in your home, she prepares food, assists with labor and birth, cares for the newborn, tidies your room and does all post delivery clean up and laundry.
Tools of the Trade
Doulas carry tools of the trade. When your doula arrives, she will probably carry a birthing ball, which you can use to support yourself in a wide range of positions. She may also carry a rice sock that can be heated in the microwave and applied to your groin or back for pain relief. She may also bring along a variety of aromatherapy oils that will relieve stress and help you relax while you’re in labor.