What does a doula do
What does a doula do?
To understand what this professional does, we need to understand the etymology of the word Doula, that is, its meaning, which refers to “woman who serves.”
A Doula is a professional who physically and emotionally supports the pregnant woman and her support network, being responsible for passing on up-to-date and scientifically based information from the main health agencies. The vast majority of women who decide to hire a doula take into account their desire to have a positive birth experience and not run the risk of undergoing unnecessary interventions or fearing obstetric violence.
It is during pregnancy that the woman and her doula will talk about fears, anxieties, and expectations so that together they can discuss and build paths in which the doula feels more secure. The professional then helps to draw up a Birth Plan, written by the pregnant woman and her companion. This is a document that contains information about her preferences for the birth, how she wants it to happen, mentioning procedures she would like to have or not have done to herself and her baby, as long as they do not interfere with the safety of both.
It is also during pregnancy that the doula will provide information and knowledge about the physiology of labor, procedures, and interventions that may occur during delivery, so that the mother and her companion can actively participate in the decisions and actions to be taken by the medical team hired or on duty.
At the time of delivery, the family will contact the doula, who will provide words of comfort and necessary assistance to reassure everyone until she can be physically present. At that moment, she will be able to assist in pain relief using non-pharmacological methods, welcoming the doula with respect and encouragement to experience the process in the most peaceful way possible, providing physical and emotional comfort and safeguarding her protagonism.
If there is a situation that makes natural childbirth impossible and a C-section is necessary, the doula will provide support by explaining the procedures, supporting the mother, and helping to ensure that the circumstances do not prevent the humanization of the baby’s birth, regardless of the delivery method.
The doula may bring the baby to the mother’s lap, promoting skin-to-skin contact, assisting with the first feeding, and valuing the so-called Golden Hour.
It is also possible for the professional to take care of the placenta, sending it to the destination requested by the mother, such as stamping the placenta.
During the postpartum visit, the doula will be able to assess the effectiveness of breastfeeding, identifying incorrect latching or any other situation that is hindering breastfeeding, teaching the new mother how to deal with the issue. She will listen to the new mother in order to detect any physical or emotional difficulties, assessing methods of support, whether by referring her to specialists or even just having a good conversation.
In short, a doula is a woman who cares for, assists, guides, supports, and advises those who are giving birth to a new being and becoming mothers. Every woman is unique, and so is motherhood, even for those who are mothers for the second time, the assistance and care of a doula are essential.
That is why it is important for all mothers to have a healthy and happy experience during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. That is why US Doula trains excellent professionals in its Doula course, capable of helping and supporting all women who are going through this incredible moment. moment.
Author: Doula Paloma Santos, Taboão da Serra, São Paulo
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