What is Doula Support?
Doulas are the ultimate birth nerds. The kind of support I focus on as a doula fits into four different categories to give you a well rounded birth preparation and labor experience.
The four types are continuous, physical, emotional and informational support. Let’s break it down together!
Continuous support is knowing that no matter the length of your labor, you will have a familiar, trusted face with you that knows your goals and your story.
I go on call at 38 weeks after having met you at least twice at your prenatal doula appointments to discuss your birth plan and to get to know you well so that on baby day we feel comfortable with each other
I’m with you through nurse shift changes or in the case of a hospital transfer I’ll stay with you too
I know your birth plan by heart, and will help you stick to it as much as medically possible
I know your preferred comfort measures, what scents you like, what you want to snack on… we go over it all!
I am committed to supporting your partner too and encourage them to get as involved as they feel comfortable
An example of continuous support could look like staying with you even if you transfer birthing locations, if your birth plan changes, bringing you or your partner snacks and staying available for questions, physical support and cheering you on.
Cochrane Review even did a study on the importance of continuous labor support and summed it up as “Continuous support during labour may improve outcomes for women and infants, including increased spontaneous vaginal birth, shorter duration of labour, and decreased caesarean birth, instrumental vaginal birth, use of any analgesia, use of regional analgesia, low five-minute Apgar score and negative feelings about childbirth experiences. We found no evidence of harms of continuous labour support.”
Speaks for itself, eh? Being known and supported full time while during labor is KEY!
Physical support is what doulas are known for best! We have a wealth of knowledge and tips and tricks for days. Ever heard of the flying cowgirl, shake the apple tree, or pushing through tug of war? Birth comes with its own quirky language and I know just when to try out a new position to help you cope with changing labor sensations.
Physical support can also look like:
Counter pressure
Hip squeezes
Back, neck, foot, hand massages
Mood setting and birth space guarding
Providing a warm compress or cool wash cloth
Drawing a bath
Helping with water therapy
Providing nourishment and encouraging hydration
Encouraging movement
An example of physical support could be helping to pour water on your contracting belly while you rest in the birth tub, frequently offering ice water, or suggesting position changes every 30-45 minutes. Sounds nice to have gentle guidance with movement during labor doesn’t it?
Offering emotional support is what really sparked my interest in being a doula. Birth is so full of expectations, plans, hopes and it’s such a mind battlefield. I strive to be that constant voice reminding you that you are enough, you ARE doing it, you are strong and powerful and so so cool. You made a whole human!
Vocalizing positive affirmations
Reiterating your birth plan
Supporting your partner and suggesting extra ways for them to support you
Guiding you to stay on rhythm
Breathing with you
Remaining calm and modeling a peaceful presence
Post birth processing through photographs and recalling the day together
Writing a birth timeline
I find the key to providing good emotional support is building a relationship with you beforehand so that I can know what kinds of encouragements will resonate with you best. I’m really grateful to get to be your cheerleader for this major life transition and you’ve totally got this!
Informational support is where my inner nerd really gets to shine! I love researching and learning about new resources, studies and best practices. Plus I’m passionate about giving you a place to come to besides a Google search for those anxious questions every pregnant parent eventually comes face to face with like is chamomile tea ok? What about sleeping on my back?… ugh, I know search engine spiraled a few times during my pregnancy and I want to help you avoid that as much as I can through resources that are more trusted than Reddit…
As your doula I understand the hospital lingo, the importance of the role of nurses, doctors, and midwives and how to work together safely with them
Creating a space for asking questions and encouragement to reach out to your provider when needed
Breathing techniques
Evidence based research support
Explaining labor stages and what to look for to indicate progress
Aid in relaxation and movement through pregnancy, birth and postpartum
This looks like loads of links, tips, and handouts, but it also looks like late night texts with questions about labor signs and reminders that you know your baby best and are capable of making choices for them.
Having knowledgable support through pregnancy, birth and postpartum is something so valuable they’ve literally done research proving how labor and delivery benefits from a doulas presence. But us doulas already knew that. I know because I see the difference, I know how bonded I become to my clients and those sweet sweet baby cheeks. I get out of bed at 3am when you call in labor because I know the support of a doula is essential. I know that hidden in the challenging moments of labor is that powerful spark of transformation and it’s worth witnessing, every single time.
Thank you for inviting me into that moment with you, it’s truly and honor.
