Why hire a doula?
I had never even heard of the term "doula" when I first got pregnant in 2016. Why bother spending thousands of pounds on antenatal and birth support when you can get it for free from a midwife for free on the NHS? How wrong I was.
There was no continuity of care during my pregnancy; I saw a different midwife at each antenatal appointment, all with different approaches and even conflicting advice. At my 40 week appointment, I was reduced to tears by the midwife who scolded me for accepting the offer of induction at my previous appointment when I explained that I actually had no intention of being induced. "Why are you wasting our time telling us one thing, and meaning another?", she tutted. I wanted to clarify that I had felt pressured into accepting one because I was worn down. Worn down by having to repeat myself at every appointment - no, I did not want an induction. Yes, I did know the risks of not having one. I couldn't justify myself, however because the tears started flowing and I was unable to get my words out.
With a doula supporting me, I would have felt empowered to advocate for myself. I would have had the knowledge and strength to ask the right questions. I would have developed the self-belief that my body knew how to birth. I wish I had hired a doula!
So what does a doula do, exactly?
Doulas provide continuous, non-clinical support to birthing people and their families. This support spans the emotional, informational, and practical aspects of labour and delivery. A doula is there to ensure that the women or birthing person’s needs are met, their voice is heard, and their choices are respected. The primary functions of a doula include:
Emotional Support: Doulas offer unwavering reassurance, helping to ease anxiety and build confidence in the birthing process. They are there to listen, validate, and support the emotional journey of labour.
Practical Support: Doulas assist with physical comfort measures such as breathing techniques, positioning, massage, and movement. This hands-on support can reduce pain perception and help labour progress more smoothly.
Informational Support: During pregnancy and labour, doulas provide unbiased, evidence-based information about the birthing process, interventions, and options available. They help birthing people understand the choices they have, empowering them to make informed decisions.
Advocacy: Doulas advocate for the birthing person’s wishes, ensuring that their preferences are respected by the medical team. They encourage open communication between the birthing person and healthcare providers, which fosters a collaborative, respectful atmosphere in the birthing room.
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