WHAT IS A DOULA?
A doula is a professional, trained expert who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, helping to create and maintain the ideal birthing environment; however, they do not provide medical follow-up or intervention.
WHAT DOES A DOULA DO?
It supports the creation and maintenance of an ideal birthing environment for the mother.
Based on their training, they can use techniques such as massage, breathing, relaxation, meditation, rebozo, reflexology, acupressure, aromatherapy, and homeopathy.
Using physiological knowledge during the birthing process, they can offer suggestions on positions.
It gives courage.
It helps the family understand general hospital procedures.
A doula takes an active role in providing birth support or simply waits quietly on the sidelines until needed, protecting the birthing area.
A doula can support the mother while also assisting the partner.
It reminds the mother of the preferences she determined before birth during the delivery process.
It helps the mother adapt to the changing conditions during labor and reminds her of her options.
A doula supports communication between the family and the birth team in the birthing environment.
A doula supports the mother in having a fulfilling birthing experience, regardless of the type of delivery.
A doula provides services to a family during childbirth without discrimination based on language, race, color, gender, political views, philosophical beliefs, religion, sect, or any other factor.
A doula protects the family's privacy during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
A doula provides support during the first breastfeeding session after the baby is born.
WHAT DOES A DOULA NOT DO?
A doula does not speak on behalf of the mother, does not make decisions for the mother, and while conveying the mother's preferences when necessary, she does not add her own interpretations.
A doula does not advocate for any particular birth method, nor does she make recommendations on behalf of the mother regarding any procedure.
A doula does not perform any medical procedures (e.g., she does not perform vaginal examinations, check the baby's heartbeat, etc.).
A doula does not interfere with the practices of healthcare professionals.
WHY IS DOULA SUPPORT IMPORTANT?
Due to current hospital conditions and working environments, doctors, midwives, and nurses may not have the time to provide uninterrupted support to mothers giving birth.
Family members and friends who may be present at the birth to offer support may act based on their own birth experiences, and their emotional bond with the mother may prevent them from providing the necessary support.
A doula guides the partner so they can support the new mother. They help her navigate this important day in the journey of parenthood.
Numerous scientific studies examining doula support have shown significantly improved physical and psychological outcomes for both mother and baby (compared to births without a doula). Should we cite the source?
Receiving uninterrupted support during childbirth;
It can facilitate the release of the hormone oxytocin,
It can shorten the labor period.
It can reduce the need for cesarean section or assisted delivery.
It can reduce the need for painkillers.
It can facilitate bonding with the baby and the breastfeeding process.
It can increase the mother's satisfaction with the process.
Doula support has a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family.
WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN CHOOSING A DOULA?
To find the doula that best suits your needs, it may be helpful to meet with several doulas before making a choice.
Here are some examples of questions you can ask:
Which institution did he/she receive his/her education from?
Does she work with a backup doula in case she can't attend your birth for some reason?
How much does it cost and what services are included in the fee?
Are you a certified doula who has completed her training, or a trainee doula?
How many births did the doula attend?
Are you comfortable around him/her, and can you communicate well with him/her?
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A DOULA AND A MIDWIFE?
Midwifery is a specialty requiring extensive medical training. Midwives (and nurses) are specialists authorized to provide comprehensive healthcare services during pregnancy and childbirth after completing formal health education and obtaining diplomas, often internationally recognized. Midwives and nurses are healthcare professionals and have the authority to perform medical interventions.
Doulas are professionals ( not healthcare professionals) who provide complementary support services during childbirth. Doula training does not confer medical authorization, and doulas do not bear medical responsibility, conduct examinations, or perform procedures.
A doula, providing support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, focuses all their attention on the mother's needs for mental, emotional, and physical comfort. While midwives and nurses providing compassionate medical care in healthcare settings may not have the opportunity to offer one-on-one, continuous support to mothers within the current system, a doula is present throughout the birth process. The doula's main role is to provide uninterrupted support to the mother and ensure her comfort.
HOW DO DOULAS, DOCTORS, MIDWIVES, AND NURSE WORK TOGETHER?
Healthcare professionals such as doctors, midwives, and nurses, who provide medical care and treatment services, are specialists responsible for the medical course of childbirth and have the authority to intervene medically. They monitor the health of the mother and baby during labor and have the authority to intervene medically when needed. A doula, on the other hand, is constantly by the mother's side during the birthing process, providing emotional and physical support, ensuring her comfort, and focusing entirely on the mother's specific needs.
A doula never speaks for the mother or makes decisions on her behalf; however, they can facilitate the mother's self-expression. They can offer translation support in situations where there are language barriers, make it easier for the family to understand hospital procedures, or assist the family in conveying their questions to the healthcare team.
The hospital staff and the doula work together as a team, supporting each other to ensure the mother has the most comfortable, healthy, and satisfying birthing experience possible.