What is a doula?
A doula is a non-medical professional whose primary role is to provide unconditional and personalised support to families during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Doulas offer continuous care that focuses on emotional and physical wellbeing, including information sharing, comfort measures and advocacy.
This support can apply to a woman planning a physiological birth, home birth, hospital birth or a planned caesarean birth.
In no way does this mean that the doula is there to replace the partner. Doulas work closely with partners, guiding and encouraging them so they feel more confident in their role as the primary support person during labour and birth. Doulas also help reduce any anxiety or concerns partners may have and strive to complement their involvement, not diminish it.
The partner is not expected to be the sole source of emotional support, so having a doula present allows them to focus on being emotionally present, particularly when faced with unexpected changes during labour.
Having a doula present during labour and birth can provide meaningful support for both the mother and her partner.
Obstetricians, midwives and nurses are responsible for monitoring labour, assessing the medical condition of the mother and baby, and treating complications when they arise. However, birth is also an emotional, energetic and deeply personal experience that can have a long-term impact on a woman’s wellbeing.
Doulas do not provide medical care and do not make decisions or speak on behalf of their clients. Instead, they provide evidence-based information about pregnancy, labour and birth, helping parents better understand medical procedures and encouraging them to ask questions so they can make informed choices about their birth experience.
What Does the Research Say?
Research has shown that the presence of a trained doula during childbirth can lead to improved outcomes for both mother and baby, including shorter labour, reduced need for medical interventions and higher satisfaction with the overall birth experience.
Doulas offer a unique and personalised form of support that can make a significant difference in the childbirth experience.
The way a woman feels about her birth and the way she is treated during labour can have a lasting effect on her postpartum wellbeing. Doulas help ensure that the mother feels safe, calm, supported and respected throughout the process.
The Role and Impact of a Doula:
- Emotional Support
Doulas provide continuous emotional support to the mother and her family throughout pregnancy and childbirth. This includes being a calming presence, offering reassurance, supporting fear release, encouraging positive affirmations and helping manage the emotional highs and lows that can come with pregnancy and birth. - Physical Comfort
Doulas are trained in techniques that help provide comfort measures during labour. These may include breathing techniques, massage, positioning, and the use of birthing tools such as birthing balls and rebozos. Their presence can help reduce stress and anxiety, which may positively influence the birthing process. - Advocacy and Communication Support
Doulas help ensure that the mother’s wishes and preferences are respected. They can facilitate communication between the parents and medical staff, helping families better understand their options. While doulas do not make medical decisions, they help parents feel confident asking questions and expressing their preferences. - Information and Resources
Doulas maintain a high level of continuous professional development (CPD) and are dedicated to providing evidence-based information about pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum care. This helps parents feel more informed and empowered when making decisions about their birth experience. - Postpartum Support
After birth, doulas may continue providing support during the postpartum period. This can include assistance with breastfeeding, helping the family adjust to life with a newborn, offering emotional support and providing resources or referrals for additional support if needed. - Continuity of Care
Having the same doula present throughout pregnancy, labour and postpartum provides consistency and trust, which can be deeply comforting for families during this important life transition.
We will provide you with this research and guide you on how to present this information to prospective clients, particularly partners, so they can clearly understand the benefits of having a professional doula supporting their birth journey.