A doula should visit your at least once before you give birth and preferable more, so the two of you can get to know each other. She should know exactly what your preferences and priorities are and be willing to accommodate them. If you have any concerns about the labor or birth, be sure to voice them. Your doula will attend you throughout the labor and birth and should make at least one postnatal visit to assure that things are going smoothly. Ask her if she will be available to accept phone calls about any concerns you may have before and after your baby is born. It is in your best interests for her to be willing to help you after the birth of your baby by giving non-medical advice or by referring you to agencies that can assist you with any problems that may crop up.
Doulas do not prescribe medications or take care of any medical aspects of your pregnancy or post natal care. They do not monitor your vital signs or those of your baby during labor and delivery.
Pros and Cons of a Doula
Pros
If your pregnancy has gone smoothly with no possible risk factors, a doula will give you far more physical and emotional support than other health care professionals. With a doula by your side, you are more likely to:
Feel the doula is in control of the situation and more able to help you cope.
Feel less anxiety and pain throughout the child bearing process.
Feel a higher level of self-esteem and take pride in your performance during labor and delivery.
Feel more satisfaction through the labor and delivery.
Feel more comfortable with your mothering skills.
Feel it is in the best interest of you and your baby to breastfeed as long as possible.
Feel positively toward your baby.
Feel less overwhelmed after the birth and have a lesser chance of suffering from postpartum depression.
Women who are cared for by doulas are less likely to require pain medications or epidurals during labor and delivery. This lessens side effects for both mother and child. When a doula is beside a mother to care for and support her, the following benefits have been noted:
Reduction for the need of Pitocin to bring on stronger contractions.
Reduction of the need for an episiotomy.
Reduction of the need for forceps and vacuum extractions.
Reduction of the need for cesarean sections.
Because of the above factors, there is less need for medical intervention, which means fewer newborns experience the following:
Have health problems when born.
Require treatment for any infections, which includes spinal taps, blood tests and babies being separated from their mothers in order to receive special care.
Are sent to the postnatal Intensive Care Unit.
Have to stay in hospital for extended periods of time.