As the landscape of childbirth support evolves, many parents-to-be are considering the services of a birth doula. But what exactly does a birth doula do? Today we’re talking about a birth doula’s role, from prenatal support to postpartum care.
Definition of a Birth Doula
A birth doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to mothers before, during, and shortly after childbirth.
Prenatal Support
During the prenatal period, a birth doula educates mothers about childbirth options and procedures. They assist in creating birth plans tailored to the mother’s preferences and offer emotional support throughout the pregnancy.
Labor and Delivery Support
During labor and delivery, a doula provides a continuous presence, offering comfort measures such as massage and suggesting different positions to ease discomfort. They encourage and support the mother’s decisions, facilitating communication between the mother and medical staff.
Postpartum Support
In the immediate postpartum period, help mothers process their birth experience. They provide information on newborn care and breastfeeding, helping new parents navigate the early days of parenthood. It’s important to note that doulas do not perform clinical tasks. They do not make medical decisions for the mother but work alongside medical professionals to support the mother’s choices and enhance her birthing experience.