We had the wonderful opportunity of having Andria Bell a birth and postpartum doula and the owner of Bells Babies write a post for us about what a doula is, and what to think about when hiring a doula, thinking about hiring a doula for your birth? Read below to learn more.
Doulas are becoming more and more popular as the medical system grows and moves from providing support to the labouring women to doing more technical monitoring. As well we seem to have lost a sense of family and community to the sterile hospital atmosphere. Decades ago in the western world, and continuing to this day in many cultures around the world, the community helped a new family blossom. New parents were comfortable and knowledgeable in child birth and child care because they would have experienced it with a family member or friend during the birth of a sibling, niece or neighbour. Also the community would support the new mother, showing her how to manage the discomforts of pregnancy, supporting her through labour and birth as well as providing the new family with love, support and nourishment after baby arrived. Making sure they eased into their new role as parents. There were many hands to hold fussy babies, many shoulders for the new mom to lean on. We live a bit differently now, new mothers often feel isolated even during pregnancy.
What a doula is not:
Doulas are NOT medical professionals, they shouldn’t give any medical advice, they are NOT midwives.
Okay, so what is do doula, and what do they really do?
Birth Doulas provide unbiased physical, educational and emotional support to families through pregnancy, labour and birth. Often meeting their clients 2 or more times during the pregnancy to educate and support the expectant parents. There are many training organizations that certify doulas, but there is no regulation for trainings. Finding a well educated, professional doula shouldn’t be too hard though. They will provide support no matter the choice the parents is making, from home birth to hospital induction to caesarean birth. Making sure they have the information to make informed decisions about their birth and baby. Answering any questions, helping parents work through fear and anxiety. Giving the moms birth partner tips on ways to help mom through labour, breathing techniques and bonding.
Once the woman goes into labour the Doula will meet the parents at the hospital, birth centre, or even their home if they need support before going to their hospital, or for a home birth. The doula will help the parents during labour with physical support through contractions, emotional support for all parties at the birth. Once baby arrives they can help with the first latch for breastfeeding and making sure the parents are settling in.
Hiring a Doula:
They’re not covered under government insurance, but are covered under some private insurance companies (you have to talk with your provider for details). Doulas provide a service tailor made for you and your family. Contact local doulas for a free consultation, and make sure to have your questions ready! There are doulas with different specialties, like massage therapy, yoga, breastfeeding training, so knowing what is important to you will help you narrow it down. There are also doula agencies which can be a nice option too, they have numerous professional doulas working with you having excellent back up.
What should you ask when you interview your doula?
How does the doula want to be notified once labour starts? Are they available from contract signing or does labour support start at 37,38 weeks? What happens if your doula is sick or can’t attend the birth? Once you find the right doula for you there is a contract and the prenatal meeting are scheduled and provide you with ongoing support over email and phone to help you with all the “is this normal” concerns you might have. When hiring a doula look for someone professional, unbiased and that is a good fit for you and your birth partner, you will be speeding a lot of time in a very intimate setting with this person, so being comfortable with your choice is important.
There is research showing doulas can improve birth outcomes, mainly by providing parents with information to make informed decisions before they are in labour. Helping parents to feel comfortable in making these decisions by knowing what to expect before hand.
Andria is a birth and postpartum doula, a breast feeding counsellor, baby wearing expert and the owner of Bells Babies. To find out more about Andria and the services Bells Babies offer you can visit her website and her Facebook page.
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