frequently asked questions.

 

what is a doula?

 

Simply put, a doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and educational support before, during, and after childbirth to help a birther or growing family achieve the healthiest and most satisfying experience possible.

 

what is the difference between a birthing and postpartum doula?

 

A birthing doula is there to help educate and advocate for birthing people. They are there during birth and immediately after. They will help with comfort measures regardless of if you are having a medicated, unmedicated, vaginal, or cesarean birth. They are there to hold your hand through the entire process of birth. Although all birthing doulas are different, Bestie finds it very important to help advocate for clients during the birthing process, ensuring that medical staff explains any procedures and gain informed consent from the patient/cleint.

A postpartum doula is there to help with that big transition after birth or adoption. They come to your home to help care for you, your family, and your new baby/ies. This can look a lot different for each family and we all have different needs, but it often includes light housework, meal prepping, infant care, and helping the birther to physically heal as well. It can also include overnight care which means the doula would stay the night and care for baby/ies while the parent(s) rest. They also help you navigate all the questions you may have about parenting (is this formula okay? Does this poop look normal? How do I swaddle a newborn?).

 

why would I need a doula?

 

Scientific studies demonstrate the remarkably improved physical and psychological outcomes of birther & baby when a doula is involved. Doulas have a positive impact on the well-being of the entire family. Evidence shows that the continuous support of a doula during birth result in:

  • 39% decrease in the risk of a Cesarean birth

  • 15% increase in the liklihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth

  • 10% decrease in the use of any medication for pain relief

  • 38% decrease in baby’s risk of a low five-minute APGAR Score

 

what type of physical support does a doula provide?

 

During birth:

  • 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

Postpartum:

  • Ensuring that the birther is properly healing

  • Providing sitz bath or gentle massage

  • Helping with breastfeeding needs

  • Taking care of baby/ies while birther heals

 

what type of emotional support does a doula provide?

 

During birth & postpartum:

  • Continuous presence

  • Reassurance

  • Encouragement

  • Praise

  • Helping the birthing person see themselves or their situation more positively

  • Keeping company

  • Showing a caring attitude

  • Mirroring—calmly describing what the birthing person is experiencing and echoing back the same feelings and intensity

  • Accepting what the birthing person wants

  • Helping the birthing person and partner work through fears and self-doubt

  • Debriefing after the birth—listening to the birther with empathy

 

what type of informational support does a doula provide?

 

During birth:

  • Guiding the birthing person and their partner through labor

  • Suggesting techniques in labor, such as breathing, relaxation techniques, movement, and positioning (positioning is important both with and without epidurals)

  • Helping them find evidence-based information about different options in pregnancy and childbirth

  • Helping explain medical procedures before or as they occur

  • Helping the partner understand what’s going on with their loved one’s labor (for example, interpreting the different sounds the birthing person makes)

Postpartum:

  • Educating birther on what typical recovery looks like

  • Providing safe sleep guidance

  • Guiding families through the early stages of parenthood and infancy

  • Providing resources for further physical and emotional care for birther, infant/s, and family

 

how can a doula help with advocacy?

 

  • Encouraging the birthing person or their partner to ask questions and verbalize their preferences

  • Asking the birthing person what they want

  • Supporting the birthing person’s decision

  • Amplifying the mother’s voice if she is being dismissed, ignored, or not heard, “Excuse me, she’s trying to tell you something. I wasn’t sure if you heard her or not.”

  • Creating space and time for the birthing family so that they can ask questions, gather evidence-based information, and make decisions without feeling pressured

  • Facilitating communication between the parents and care providers

  • Teaching the birthing person and partner positive communication techniques

  • If a birthing person is not aware that a provider is about to perform an intervention, the doula could point out what it appears the nurse or physician is about to do, and ask the birthing person if they have any questions about what is about to happen. For example, if it looks like the provider is about to perform an episiotomy without the person’s consent: “Dr. Smith has scissors in his hand. Do you have any questions about what he is wanting to do with the scissors?”