What Does a birth doula do?
The short answer to this question is that a doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support to the birthing person throughout pregnancy, birth, and the immediate postpartum. The longer answer can be as varied as the amount of doulas in your community. Many doulas have specialties or trainings that may resonate with you and have a particular appeal for what you might be seeking.
As a birth doula, I spend time getting to know you and your partner so that I can better understand your priorities and concerns.
I will then share what I bring to the birth experience in terms of my presence and my “tools”. I will assist in preparing you during pregnancy by providing you with relevant information and sharing resources with you. In addition, our meetings will be full of thoughtful questions and practical hands-on skills that will assist you during your birthing time. On the day of your birth, I will be offering gentle reminders on practical matters such as using the bathroom, eating, drinking, movement, and comfort measures. I will be an invaluable resource for tips and ideas, a gentle encouraging voice, and a comforting touch(sometimes gentle and sometimes strong). I will be there to remind you of your preferences and assist you in getting the information you need if things don’t go as planned. When your baby is in your arms, I will help get you settled and breast feeding and make sure your first meal is on its way. I will assist you until you are settled as a new family and check in on you until I can come see you postpartum in your home. I will offer referrals as needed upon assessing how you are transitioning as a family so that you can be supported in whatever ways you need. Lastly, I will process your birth story with you before we conclude our last meeting!
