A Doula’s Role in Your Delivery

A Doula’s Role in Your Delivery

First off, let me explain to you what a doula is; she is a woman who is full of love and compassion, and she want to empower you during the delivery of your precious baby. Now let me tell you what she is not; she is not going to replace your partner, make decisions for you, or judge you. She is not a doctor or a midwife, even though she is full of information.

So what does this all mean to you, well to be a doula takes a very special type of person, she must be compassionate, but strong, since you as the woman in labor will be leaning on her and your partner for support. She is trained to recognize the different stages of labor, and is full of knowledge relating to your options regarding your choice of birth. She will not tell you what to do, decisions will be made by you and your husband or partner.

She may have literature, for you to read regarding the pros and cons of an induced labor, epidurals and pitocin. She will give you a list of sites you can visit on line to become more informed. There are so many books to read, regarding natural childbirth, midwives and doulas. It is important to go into your pregnancy, labor & delivery knowing what available to you.

Meeting a doula early in your pregnancy is the best, you meet with her, become friends with her, she suggests or lends you books that you should read so you are aware of what is happening during labor. She will help you put a birth plan into place, so that you, the medical staff and your doctor knows exactly what you want. Doula’s are not very welcome in the labor room, since a lot doctors want the baby to be born quickly, so that they can move along with their day. It should not be their decision; giving birth is a natural process. Natural Yes! Easy not always, that is why working with your partner and your doula during the last trimester is definitely a plus.

You have read your books, your have your birth plan in place, your bag is packed, and then, you wait! It surely seems like forever but when the time comes it becomes very exciting; but it may be frightening too. For many the unknown is what is frightening, but if you have read your books, talked to you doula, have a great relationship with your medical staff, you have somewhat of an idea of what to expect, you and your partner will do just fine.

At the hospital, she will keep you focused on what you wanted during labor; but it will be up to you to speak up. Going into the delivery room with the necessary knowledge, and desires spoken from your mouth, on research you have done, will let the medical staff know your planning to stand your ground. They heard what you want from you, not your doula whispering in your ear, or silence; since a certified trained doula knows that she has to leave decision making up to the pregnant mom and her partner.

Many ask why a doula, my husband will be with me; husbands don’t like to be “not in control” nor do they like to see the one they love “during this very intense time”; so you see the doula actually helps both the mom to be, and dad too. She also provides rest period for dad, and opportunities for him to go and make phone calls to let the family know all is well, without leaving you alone.

Labor is not easy, but making it as natural as possible, empowering the mom and dad is what it is all about; and when your newborn baby girl or boy is laid in your arms, everything else seems to melt away.

Take the time look into getting a doula, perhaps you may even want to purchase a book, relating to doulas and how they make labor so much more empowering, peaceful and very simply just an awesome time.