What do doulas do?
The role of doulas is to offer comprehensive assistance to expectant parents before, during, and after the birthing process. This includes emotional support, physical comfort measures, and valuable information on various aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery.
By providing this kind of support, doulas help ensure that parents feel empowered, informed, and well cared for throughout their journey to parenthood. Their primary role is to offer guidance, comfort, and advocacy to birthing individuals and their families throughout the entire reproductive journey. There are two primary types of doulas: birth doulas and postpartum doulas.
Different types of doulas and what they do.
- Birth Doulas: These doulas provide support to individuals during labor and childbirth. Their primary focus is helping the birthing person manage the challenges and emotions associated with labor. Birth doulas offer various forms of support, such as relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, massage, and suggesting different labor positions. They also provide emotional encouragement, help facilitate communication with medical staff, and ensure the birthing person’s preferences are respected to the extent possible.
- Postpartum Doulas: Postpartum doulas provide assistance after childbirth, typically in the weeks following delivery. Their role is to help with the transition to parenthood, offering guidance on newborn care, breastfeeding, and emotional well-being. They may also assist with light household tasks, meal preparation, and sibling care, allowing new parents to focus on recovery and bonding with their baby.
A doula is a professional who offers non-medical support to expecting mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. This support aims to enhance the overall experience of the birthing person and their family. Although they do not provide medical care, doulas offer emotional and physical support to help the mother feel more comfortable and confident throughout each stage of the birthing process. Moreover, they do not diagnose or offer medical advice but provide comfort, encouragement, and guidance to help the mother and her family navigate this vital time.
It’s important to note that the exact scope of a doula’s work can vary based on the doula’s training, the preferences of the birthing individual, and the specific circumstances of each pregnancy and birth.
Become a birthworker today. Help improve infant and maternal mortality rates and make birth better.