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A doula is a birth companion trained to support women during pregnancy, labor and delivery. A doula also represents the birthing mother and her partner and acts as an intermediary or ‘go-between’ for the expectant parents and their mother’s caregivers.
Doulas are often mothers who have given birth themselves and want to provide support to other mothers. They are usually interested in what they do.
What is the training to become a doula?
Many states have their own courses to become a trained and registered doula. There are a few training centers in Australia that offer training in what it takes to be a doula.
Doulas are not midwives or registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), the registration and reform body on behalf of health organisations.
How can I find a doula?
Talk to your health care provider to see if they have any information. Otherwise you can do your own research, starting with a directory of doulas in Australia. There are several doula training organizations in Australia, such as the Australian Doula College and Doula Network Australia.
What is important to know about doulas?
Doulas often have a clear understanding of what they can and cannot do. This is important so that the boundaries between their responsibilities and those managed by women’s service providers are clearly defined.
Just as important as the doula herself, is relationship between expectant parents and their doula. This must be built on trust and confidence and cannot be rushed. Ideally, the expectant mother and her partner meet with their doula early in the pregnancy and make a connection.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) review of the research on the benefits of teamwork, they found that trust and cooperation are important qualities.
Things to consider when choosing a doula
As well as the following, you will have your own ideas.
- It is important to be with someone who has similar or similar values to what you and your partner share.
- Cost – there is no single rate that doulas charge and their fees are not reimbursed through Medicare or private insurance. As a general guide, most doulas charge between $800-$2000.
- Choosing who will work with you, your loved ones and your mother’s carer. Your birth team should work together to support you in the best possible way during labor.
- The one you feel comfortable with.
Introducing your loved one, antenatal care provider and doula
The first steps will be done well during your pregnancy. This will give everyone a chance to talk about your fertility goals and how they can help you.
It’s important that your doula doesn’t act like a medical professional, but rather, consider herself a part of your birth team.
How can my doula help me during my pregnancy?
One of the ways a doula can help you is to help you prepare for your labor and birth. What they do depends on what you want.
In general, doulas provide pregnancy care with:
- The company is moving into the future.
- Asking questions on behalf of parents, especially if they don’t feel comfortable speaking up for themselves.
- Providing information on pregnancy, labor and birth.
- Talking about getting used to parenting.
- To be a ‘second ear’ for information and guidance from providers of services to pregnant women.
How can my doula help me during pregnancy and delivery?
During your pregnancy, you will have many opportunities to discuss the different ways your doula can help you. It is important to have a clear plan as you approach your child’s birthday. Although remember, it is important to be flexible and accept the unexpected.
Fertility and birth do not come with any guarantees. Although many women plan to have a natural birth with little or no intervention, sometimes this is unavoidable.
10 ways your doula can help you during labor:
- Helping you decide where you want to live during labor and delivery.
- Help make a decision about the type/diagnosis of pain relief you need.
- Breathing options and visualization techniques.
- Facilitate your communication with your maternal health care providers.
- Help your loved ones help you.
- Offer massage and relaxation techniques.
- Offer practical help such as bathing or working in the bathroom. Check first to see what is available where you plan to give birth.
- How you want them to use other things reduce pain techniques such as walking in labor, acupressure, hot packs, placing pillows and light techniques.
- Offer to be an advocate if you cannot speak for yourself.
- I will give you encouragement and encouragement.
How can my doula help me after I have my baby?
Some doulas provide support through pregnancy and birth and then leave their relationship. Some extend their support until a few weeks after the baby is born. But most doulas will:
- Help the new mother make skin-to-skin contact with the baby.
- Help the baby to breastfeed for the first time.
- Help the new mother get comfortable, bathe or wash and change into new clothes.
- Provide opportunities for discussion about labor and birth. Sometimes women do not have the delivery time they would have liked and it is important to consider and discuss this with the person who was there.
About the Author:
Written by Nourish Baby and Jane Barry. Jane is fully qualified in paediatrics, immunisation, midwifery and pediatric nursing. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science (Nursing) and has approximately 35 years of pediatric health nursing experience. She is a member of a number of professional associations including AHPRA, The Australasian Medical Writer’s Association and the Australian College of Children and Young People’s Nurses.
References
About Feeding Baby | Pregnancy Education & Parenting Education Online – nurturebaby.com.au
Doula – Better Health Channel
What does a birth doula do? | | Pregnancy and Baby (pregnancybirthbaby.org.au)
What is a doula and what do you need? | | SELECTION