Empathy, a hug or even a good laugh together can do so much for a new parent! Postpartum doulas are trained to understand what new babies — and new mothers — truly need. The doula helps with soothing techniques, offers breastfeeding or bottle feeding support, and explains normal newborn behavior. A new baby means transition for everyone, including parents, grandparents and little brothers and sisters. Postpartum doulas understand what everyone needs, and part of their role is to help the entire family adjust and settle in.
Download Postpartum Position Paper. Skip to Main Content. Doula Benefits Infographic. Benefits of a Doula From the beginning of time, women have been cared for and nurtured as they become mothers.
Family, friends and neighbors from the community would rally around the new family to help guide them through their tender early weeks and months with a new baby. Read below for more information about the role of birth and postpartum doulas! Doulas help make birth better! Most doulas make themselves available to the mother by phone in order to respond to her questions or address any concerns that might arise during the course of the pregnancy.
Understand they do not provide any type of medical care. However, they are knowledgeable about many medical aspects of labor and delivery. As such, they can help their clients gain a better understanding of the procedures and possible complications in late pregnancy or delivery. During delivery, doulas are in constant and close proximity to the mother. They have the ability to provide comfort with pain-relief techniques including breathing techniques, relaxation techniques , massage, and laboring positions.
Doulas also encourage participation from the partner and offer reassurance. A doula acts as an advocate for the mother, encouraging and helping her fulfill specific desires she might have for her birth. The goal of a doula is to help the mother experience a positive and safe birth, whether an unmedicated birth or a cesarean. After birth, many labor doulas will help new mothers begin the breastfeeding process and encouraging bonding between the new baby and other family members.
Numerous studies have documented the benefits of having a doula present during labor. A recent Cochrane Review, Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth , showed a very high number of positive birth outcomes when a doula was present.
With their support, women were less likely to have pain-relief medications administered and less likely to have a cesarean birth. Women also reported having a more positive childbirth experience. Doulas often use the power of touch and massage to reduce stress and anxiety during labor. According to physicians Marshal Klaus and John Kennell, massage helps stimulate the production of natural oxytocin.
The pituitary gland secretes natural oxytocin to the bloodstream causing uterine contractions and to the brain resulting in feelings of well-being and drowsiness, along with a higher pain threshold. Historically it was thought that intravenous oxytocin does not cross from the bloodstream into the brain in substantial amounts and, therefore, does not provide the same psychological benefits as natural oxytocin. Nonetheless, doulas can help mothers experience the benefits of oxytocin naturally without the use of medication.
The role of the doula is never to take the place of husbands or partners in labor, but rather to complement and enhance their experience. Today, more husbands play an active role in the birth process. However, some partners prefer to enjoy the delivery without having to stand in as the labor coach.
By having a doula as a part of the birth team, a father is free to do whatever he chooses. They can encourage the father to use comfort techniques and can step in if he wants a break. Having a doula allows the father to support his partner emotionally during labor and birth and to also enjoy the experience without the added pressure of trying to remember everything he learned in childbirth class!
The presence of a doula can be beneficial no matter what type of birth you are planning. Many women report needing fewer interventions when they have one. But be aware that the primary role of the doula is to help mothers have a safe and pleasant birth—not to help them choose the type of birth. For women who have decided to have a medicated birth, the doula will provide emotional, informational, and physical support through labor and the administration of medications.
Doulas work alongside medicated mothers to help them deal with potential side effects. Doulas may also help with other needs where medication may be inadequate because even with medication, there is likely to be some degree of discomfort.
For a mother facing a cesarean, a doula can be helpful by providing constant support and encouragement. Often a cesarean results from an unexpected situation leaving a mother feeling unprepared, disappointed, and lonely. Childbirth Connection has a great list of interview questions for a doula. The website DoulaMatch.
Of all the ways birth outcomes could be improved, continuous labor support seems like one of the most important and basic needs for birthing people. Providing labor support to birthing people is both risk-free and highly effective. Evidence shows that continuous support can decrease the risk of Cesarean, the use of medications for pain relief, and the risk of a low five minute Apgar score. Labor support also increases satisfaction and the chance of a spontaneous vaginal birth.
Continuous support may also shorten labor and decrease the use of Pitocin. Although continuous support can also be offered by birth partners, midwives, nurses, or even some physicians, research has shown that with some outcomes, doulas have a stronger effect than other types of support persons. As such, doulas should be viewed by both parents and providers as a valuable, evidence-based member of the birth care team. Psychological Bulletin, 5 , Kozhimannil, K.
Strauss, N. The Journal of perinatal education , 25 3 , — Thomas, M. Maternal and child health journal, 21 Suppl 1 , 59— We would also like to thank Cristen Pascucci for her medical editing assistance. Join others who also want to help bring evidence-based care to their local community. Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to our podcast: iTunes Stitcher On today's podcast, we're going to talk with Ihotu Ali, MPH, who is writing about research on the effects of racism on pregnancy and birth outcomes.
Rebecca Dekker. PhD, RN. Get our free, one-page handout on Doulas today to use in your informed decision making! What is a doula? How many people use doulas? What do doulas do? Aspects of physical support provided by a doula may include: Soothing with touch through the use of massage or counter pressure Helping to create a calm environment, like dimming lights and arranging curtains Assisting with water therapy shower, tub Applying warmth or cold Assisting the birthing person in walking to and from the bathroom Giving ice chips, food, and drinks Emotional support helps the birthing person feel cared for and feel a sense of pride and empowerment after birth.
Smith has scissors in his hand. Do you have any questions about what he is wanting to do with the scissors? What is NOT included in doula support? How did doulas compare to the other types of continuous support? Why are doulas so effective? How is a doula different from a labor and delivery nurse? Doula care has a positive impact on birthing people of color Access to continuous labor support from a doula is especially vital for birthing people of color. Agency is defined as the capacity of individuals to act or to make their own choices.
Doulas helped their clients to understand their options and they facilitated communications with care providers, so that clients felt a sense of empowerment or ownership over their care. Doulas also contributed to feelings of personal security. When women felt scared by their care providers, they were comforted and reassured by their doulas. Doulas also played a critical role in transferring knowledge about the pregnancy and birth process.
Finally, doulas helped women with connectedness so that they would not feel socially isolated. Many of the participants described stressful life situations and desired a doula with similar life experiences, someone who shared their culture and background. How do I find a doula? The bottom line Of all the ways birth outcomes could be improved, continuous labor support seems like one of the most important and basic needs for birthing people.
References: Barnett, G. Bohren, M. Caton, D. Corry, et al. Declercq, E. DONA International. Code of Ethics: Birth Doula. Accessed on July 24, Gagnon, A. Gale, J. Gilliland, A. Doctorate University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, pp. Available at the bottom of this page. Goer, H. Romano Optimal care in childbirth: the case for a physiologic approach. Seattle, Washington, Classic Day Publishing. Click here. Hodnett, E.
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