A doula can be a very helpful part of your birthing team. It can be like having a best friend involved.
The main jobs of a doula are to be by your side offering non-medical advice and techniques during labor, like breathing, message, changing positions, to provide emotional support, and to be your advocate, ensuring that everyone follows your birth plan, whether that includes using medications or having a natural birth.
The doula can help you understand many of the options in the birthing process and help you put together your birthing plan.
“It’s important to remember that our bodies must work pretty well, or there wouldn’t be so many humans on the planet.”
May Gaskin
Doulas can also help in the postpartum experiences, like helping a new mother as she recovers from the birthing process, including caring for the infant and providing support and help in learning the breastfeeding process.
Doulas may or may not have a certification, as this is not typically required. Doulas are not involved medically in the actual birthing process, because they are not considered healthcare providers. They cannot “deliver” the baby.
Doulas do not replace the obstetrician or midwife.
Do you have an advocate to support you? A doula may be a consideration. Sometimes, the husband or significant other is so engrossed in the birthing process, that they may get overwhelmed and a doula may be a blessing.
But having a doula is certainly not necessary; it is an option to learn about and consider.
