What You Should Know about Doulas

Written by Deborah Northcutt

August 12, 2010

A doula is a person who offers their services to provide assistance before birth, during birth and after birth of a baby. Their services are important even though it is non medical or non-midwifery in nature. Their services may be limited to assisting birth of a baby at home, during labor of the woman giving birth and assist the transport of the woman if there’s a need to bring her to the hospital. They will also provide services at home caring for the mother and the baby after birth such as cooking for the mother, breastfeeding support if the mother is sickly, assistance of the newborn baby, some other errands of which her services is needed, and light housekeeping.  This will depend though, on the training and experience of the doula.

The labor and birth services of the doula are limited only to pacifying and comforting women while in labor. They do not perform the job supposed to be done by the doctor in-charge. They are not allowed to perform the actual giving birth of the mother but are only in the sidelines to assist. Sometimes they can give massages and give advices on what proper positions are needed to make labor proper and easy.

Doulas also offer prenatal visits after the birth of the newborn. When the mother is already at home, they are the ones who give phone support when needed. They ensure that the mother is properly informed and supported by meeting with them. The mother and the family discusses the terms of what the doula’s responsibilities are, including the fees and charges in the delivery of her services. They are the ones who serve as advocates of what their clients want and inform the doctor and medical staff for the good of her client.

There are hospitals and private foundations that offer programs accepting the services of doulas for volunteer and community work. These volunteers play an important role in the community especially for women who are at-risk for complications during birth of the baby. They are also very efficient as confidante for women who are faced with financial problems. Doulas are also at hand when mothers are emotionally disturbed or feeling the unusual depression felt after the birth of their babies. In short, the services offered by doulas are not to be taken for granted for women who need assistance during the difficult time of pregnancy.

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1 Comment

  1. Sayeed Moamar

    Hey. great day to visit some blogs today”  

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