About Using A Doula
Posted on: 8 March 2019
If you are expecting a child, then you want to do everything possible to ensure that you have the best birthing experience you can. One of the things that you may want to consider doing is having a doula. A lot of women find that having a doula makes their experience a much calmer and relaxing one. Here are some of the things that you may want to know about having a doula if you are considering going this route.
What exactly is a doula?
The first thing you should know is what exactly a doula is. A doula is a person who is trained in pregnancy and childbirth that helps to take care of many of the mother's wants and needs throughout the pregnancy and birthing process. The doula will do things like provide the mother with emotional security and physical needs and educate the mother on things that they can expect to experience throughout the pregnancy and during the birthing process. The doula can act as a special support system for the mother who can also answer their questions and help to calm them down when they start to worry or get scared.
What is a doula's specific job description?
While there are many things that one should expect from a doula, there are also things that some mothers will have their doula do for them that other mothers won't. A lot of this really depends on the mother-to-be's personal preferences and their physical needs. When it comes to the things that most doulas do, the tasks can include the following things:
- Making themselves available to the mother any time she is in need
- Answering questions about the pregnancy
- Helping to create a birthing plan with the mother
- Providing emotional support when the mother is worried and/or anxious
- Explaining different options with regards to birthing choices
- Giving the mother natural pain relief help by way of things like massage, moving the mother in certain positions, walking the mother through breathing techniques, etc.
- Helping support the mother as she gets in different positions and moves around during labor
- Guide the partner through things they can do to help during the birthing process
- Advocating for the mother with regards to making sure her wants are considered by medical staff
- Helping the mother to breastfeed their newborn
- Helping the mother with things like learning how to swaddle the baby, getting the baby to sleep, supporting the baby's head, and other things that a new parent may not have experience with or be aware of.
If you are considering a doula, you will be glad to know that a lot of women have enjoyed their pregnancies and deliveries even more because of the help from their doulas. Contact local doula program services to learn more.
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