The companionship of a Doula during Child Birth

A postpartum doula is an experienced woman who accompanies a pregnant lady during her pregnancy period. She will be with the mother months before childbirth, during birth, and after childbirth. The etymology of the word doula goes back to ancient Greece. The word then exactly denoted a lady who took care of pregnant women.

Return of Doulas

The doula concept received a comeback in the early '90s in America. Many organizations took up this, and the field expanded, with many of them offering certificate courses on doula training. Well-reputed and certified organizations like the Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE), Child Birth and Postpartum Professional Association, and International Childbirth Education Association are some of such associations. One shall find details about all of these and their services online. They offer you the best service information regarding where and how to find a doula, the costs involved etc.

Doulas are of three types :

Before Birth - Antepartum Doula

During Birth - Birth Doula

After Birth – Postpartum Doula  

Antepartum Doula

Antepartum doulas help the mothers before the birth, starting from the initial stage of pregnancy. If the physician had suggested a mother take complete bed rest, it would be very useful to have an antepartum doula. She will help in caring for the mother as well as others. The antepartum doula will also help with small housekeeping works and cook meals as per the diet prescribed by the doctor. She educates the mother and provides her with information and referrals for her, which is essential during pregnancy and the time after the birth of the child.

Most of the professional doulas will have some complimentary care treatments and their duty. This might be a massage, practising yoga, simple and mild exercises etc. They can give you classes on various pregnancy-related things as well. She will be the mother's companion to listen to all her worries and fears related to this. The doula, in case, if needed, can tell her about the possibilities of high-risk pregnancy and its outcomes so that the mother can stay prepared. This is the newest kind of doula who can help the mother with household chores and keep the household things on track.

The antepartum doula will also have a good role to play in setting up to receive a baby. If the pregnant mother doesn't have any relatives nearby, the guidance of a doula becomes crucial for shopping for things needed for a baby. She will help out with the preparation systematically so that they do not have to panic at the time and soon after the time of delivery.

Birth Doulas

Birth doulas, the second type of doulas, are quite different from the other two types in their duties. This type of doula will be on duty during the very period of delivery. They help the mother prepare for the delivery, deliver the baby and finally deal with the same. In addition, they provide all types of support. On top of that, they will help with the mother's physical needs, and when required. They will also provide you with all the information you need at that time. Every woman will have their particular thoughts and experiences about giving birth. They respond and react to birth differently. Thus, the doula must act accordingly.

A doula should be able to create a rapport with the mother. It would be highly beneficial if the doula could make this relationship before birth. It will bring in a good atmosphere between the doula and the mother if they together go to purchase the baby. They will have a feeling of togetherness, and this will bring great confidence to the mother. This is a unique and special relationship that happens during the most crucial period of a mother. 

Studies reveal that having a doula while birth has many benefits. They include a short period of labour, mostly normal deliveries, fewer interventions required, a higher level of satisfaction, smooth breastfeeding from the initial stage itself, fewer chances of postpartum depression etc. The service of a doula can incredibly reduce the cost of birth. However, most insurance companies do not cover the fee of doulas. However, people can work on it to find insurance that covers the same or some policy where there is a scope of reimbursing the same. It will be better to preplan the same. 

Postpartum doula

People usually think that the critical period in pregnancy is during and before labour. But, it is not true. A woman needs the most amount of support and care after labour. This makes the postpartum doula services very important. According to the latest research, a woman needs postpartum doula support for faster mental and physical recovery.

A postpartum doula is a doula who deals with the family after the arrival of the baby. She guides the mother with her situation of being a mother and related activities. When the baby arrives, he comes with certain responsibilities. For example, when the baby cries or vomits. A certified postpartum doula will also help the mother get used to the practice of bathing, feeding, dressing up and entertaining the baby. The postpartum doula will help all the family members to get used to the new member of the family, be it the father, the grandparents or the siblings.

One of the most important roles of a postpartum doula is to help the mother with breastfeeding. Assistance in breastfeeding is something they urge for mostly. The mothers seldom get knowledge and assistance in this. It is always a great help for the mothers to get assistance. This is also equally important for the baby as it is important to consume milk. A postpartum doula will ensure good latching of milk. This will help bring confidence to the mother in the successful feeding of her child. The doula will also have to regularly give suggestions about breastfeeding until the mother becomes completely ok with it.

Postpartum disorder is the reason why you need a doula

The post-birth situation requires maximum care. There are high chances for the mother to have mood swings as a part of postpartum depression. Apart from depression, there are chances for the mother to be affected by postpartum disorder. 

A postpartum doula is a right person to deal with such a situation. It will be a great relief for the mother to have a person who listens to her. The doula can ask her and make her talk about it. This will have a great effect. Most of the doulas are very good listeners. They have no authority to reach conclusions and do treatments on any of these. They will be just the guides to tell them what they have to do further about the postpartum disorder. This shall be experienced by the father also sometimes. Improper diet, less sleep etc., might result in some disorders for the father. The doula can help with this as well. The doula will help the whole family to get through this period.

Due to the significance, a postpartum doula has in the life of a woman and her family, it is important for an individual to have a proper understanding of the job. There are plenty of postpartum doula courses on the internet to choose from, one can choose them according to one’s convenience and requirements. 

Why you should hire a doula?

Usually, people are concerned that the doula might take the partner's role. However, studies show that the presence of a doula has a very positive effect on the partners. This is because the doulas help the dads with the proper guidance of being a dad. They give good and useful suggestions to follow to become good fathers. The doula will silently act as a trainer for the dad, as he is the one to do things when all the others leave. A good doula will take care of the same as well. They will work for the well-being of the whole family in the baby's presence.

When the doula is near the baby, the parents can be away for a little while to relax. This will, in turn, bring a balance between the partners in taking care of the baby and taking care of themselves. A doula does everything as if she is a part of the family. That is a really good thing. A doula being not a family member is also a good thing. They will not give a chance for emotional sweep away, and the decisions will always be rational and not emotional.

Some doubt the necessity of a doula if there is already a staff. But they will not be available always at a stretch. Also, they change with shifts. This will not work properly for a mother and baby who needs continuous care. Also, the baby and mother are just one among many for the medical staff. They will have no bond or rapport with the mother as they might be seeing them for the first time.

Conclusion

Giving birth to a child is a crucial phase of a woman's life. To have the guidance of a doula is a priceless thing by every means. They shall assist the mother and help her have a satisfactory delivery with confidence. This is an age-old practice, and women have been helping and assisting women likewise for ages. It is highly recommendable for women of a new age also to have doulas, for they deserve an awesome birth-giving experience.