The doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional,
physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is
experiencing labor, or has recently given birth.
Their purpose is to help women have
a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience.
Numerous studies have documented the benefits of having a doula present during labor.
A recent Cochrane Review, Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth, showed a very high number of positive birth outcomes when a doula was present.
With their support, women were less likely to have pain-relief medications administered and less likely to have a cesarean birth. Women also reported having a more positive childbirth experience.
Other studies have shown that having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases:
Most doula-client relationships begin a few months before the baby is due. During this period, they develop a relationship in which the mother feels free to ask questions, express her fears and concerns, and take an active role in creating a birth plan.
They make themselves available to the mother by phone in order to respond to her questions or address any concerns that might arise during the course of the pregnancy. Understand they do not provide any type of medical care. However, they are knowledgeable about many medical aspects of labor and delivery.
As such, they can help parents gain a better understanding of the procedures and possible complications in late pregnancy or delivery.
Doulas that can help to reduce stress and trauma often experienced during childbirth.
They have the ability to provide comfort with pain-relief techniques including breathing techniques, relaxation techniques, massage, and laboring positions. They also encourage participation from the partner and offer reassurance.
After birth, They will help new mothers begin the breastfeeding process and encouraging bonding between the new baby and other family members.
The role of the doula is never to take the place of husbands or partners in labor, but rather to complement and enhance their experience. Today, more husbands play an active role in the birth process. However, some partners prefer to enjoy the delivery without having to stand in as the labor coach.
By having a doula as a part of the birth team, a father is free to do whatever he chooses. They can encourage the father to use comfort techniques and can step in if he wants a break. Having a doula allows the father to support his partner emotionally during labor and birth and to also enjoy the experience without the added pressure of trying to remember everything he learned in childbirth class!
The presence of a doula can be beneficial no matter what type of birth you are planning. Many women report needing fewer interventions when they have one. But be aware that the primary role of the doula is to help mothers have a safe and pleasant birth–not to help them choose the type of birth.
For women who have decided to have a medicated birth, the doula will provide emotional, informational, and physical support through labor and the administration of medications.
Doulas work alongside medicated mothers to help them deal with potential side effects. Doulas may also help with other needs where may be inadequate because even with medication, there is likely to be some degree of discomfort.
For a mother facing a cesarean, a doula can be helpful by providing constant support and encouragement. Often a cesarean results from an unexpected situation leaving a mother feeling unprepared, disappointed, and lonely.
A doula can be attentive to the mother at all times throughout the cesarean, letting her know what is going on throughout the procedure. This can free the partner to attend to the baby and accompany the newborn to the nursery if there are complications.
“As a result of so many scientific investigations, we have obtained common sense answers: the newborn needs to be with his/her mother.
The rest of us need to leave them alone.”
Michel Odent
We check your options for labour, delivery and postpartum, we can create a birth plan, to calm your anxieties, give answer to your insecurities with probed information.
Answers to your questions about pregnancy, childbirth, early postpartum, or newborn with ongoing emotional support. I am available by phone, Whatsapp and/or email.
You and your partner can enjoy the birth of the baby knowing that I am just a phone call away. When you’re ready, I’ll be by your side through labor until the first 2 hours postpartum.
In this individualized, complete class and with scientifically proven information, I will answer all the questions about lactation that may arise when you think about having your baby in your arms.
In this class we will see everything that is necessary for the care of the baby once he/she is born.
Umbilical cord, bath, bowel movements, hygiene, sleeping, utensils you need so that you are calm as well as your partner.
If you just need someone to be by your side during labour and delivery at home or at the hospital, I am here to be with you and give you support in that vulnerable moment.
I will need to have the birth plan a few days before to know your needs and wishes.
