For many women, pregnancy is a transformative experience, especially if this is your first pregnancy. Learning about what to expect during pregnancy can be overwhelming, which is why there are many resources available to help prepare you for pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.
The typical path is to take an antenatal course, which is a great way to prepare you for childbirth and motherhood. These courses take place over a series of weeks and can include hypnobirthing sessions.
However, doulas are a popular choice as they provide one-to-one support to mothers, and have a depth of experience working in maternity services and supporting other mothers through childbirth and into parenthood.
In this post, we will delve into how a doula can help you during your pregnancy and how support from a doula can provide you with invaluable help during pregnancy and childbirth.
What is a Doula?
A doula is a trained professional who offers invaluable support to expectant mothers and their partners before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas are non-medical professionals who provide emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant mothers and often attend the birth of your baby to help guide you through the birth.
A doula, however, does not replace your birth partner at the birth of your baby and is there to offer additional support to both you and your partner. The role of a doula is to empower women during pregnancy and advocate for mothers during childbirth, ensuring and guiding them toward a positive and informed birth experience.
Doulas can also be invaluable to women who are not native to the country they are giving birth in, whether this includes translating your wishes to medical providers, to sharing your cultural background and beliefs.
How can a Doula help with prenatal support?
The ideal time to consult with a doula is during your pregnancy. When you meet your doulas for the first time it will be to establish a communication and discuss how they can help you. Your birth partner can be part of this process and it is an opportunity for you to talk about any worries you may have about your pregnancy or giving birth.
Doulas have a wealth of hands-on experience supporting mothers through their pregnancy and childbirth and many have experience working as midwives in NHS hospitals. It is important to find a doula you connect with and who you trust, so take your time when picking your doula.
During your pregnancy, your doula will be able to help you create a birth plan that aligns with your values and prepares you for the birth of your baby. This can include pregnancy massage, guided meditation, and hypnobirthing exercises among some of the many techniques doulas use to help you feel more confident and in control of your birthing experience.
Continuous Labour Support
During your labour, doulas can be a great source of support and comfort. By the time your baby is due, you will have created a close bond with your doula and you will be able to use their wealth of knowledge to assist you during birth.
As your due date approaches your doula will be on call, and you will already have a plan for when they will arrive during your birth and how long they will stay with you. Your plan will also include the responsibilities you want your doula to perform. This can include advocating for the type of care you want from medical providers, assisting you into positions to help you manage pain, and reminding you of the breathing and relaxation techniques you may have practised together.
It is good to note that doulas do not replace your midwives and doctors and will instead work alongside them to complement the care you receive from the hospital medical team.
Doulas, however, can ensure effective communication between the mother and the medical team, helping parents make informed decisions about their care.
Postpartum Care
After your baby is born your doula will also help to support you in the days and weeks following the birth of your baby. With your permission, doulas will visit you in your home to help you with newborn care, breastfeeding guidance, and emotional support during the challenging postpartum period.
You will still receive care from your community midwife team and healthcare professionals, alongside help from your doula. You should think of doulas as additional support to help you settle into your new life as a parent.
Having a doula's presence can ease the transition into parenthood, reduce feelings of isolation, and ensure parents have the knowledge and resources they need to care for their baby.
Benefits of Having a Doula support you during pregnancy
Choosing to have a doula with you during your pregnancy and the birth of your child is a personal decision. However, doulas are experienced in supporting women through birth and can assist in creating a more relaxing and simple birth experience. Their practices include invaluable tools which include relaxation and breathing techniques and ways to manage your pain during the birth of your baby.
When choosing a doula, make a list of any relevant questions you may have. Here are some good examples:
What is your experience as a doula?
Are your vaccinations up to date - specifically whooping cough and influenza?
What services do you provide as a doula?
Have they completed any relevant training? I.e first aid training, or hypnobirthing training if they offer this service.
Can you see testimonials from previous clients?
Final thoughts
Doulas are a wonderful form of support to have by your side during your pregnancy and childbirth. Doulas are experienced in supporting, empowering, and advocating for women in their care.
Doulas can guide expectant mothers toward their desired birth experience and can help to make the journey from pregnancy to motherhood easier. Whether you are planning a home birth or a hospital delivery, a doula can be a valuable addition to your birth team, ensuring that your pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum journey is as calm and memorable as possible.