What a Birth Doula Really Does

Several years ago I started down the path to becoming a birth doula. I was working with women at a crisis pregnancy center and saw it as a way to connect more deeply with the women I was serving. I have since fallen in love with all things birth! Doulas are becoming more mainstream, but there is still a good bit of confusion and misinformation over the role of a doula.  Doulas are a great resource and are worth knowing about if you or someone you love is preparing to welcome a new addition to the family. 

The number one question that I always get when people hear I am a birth doula is, “How is a doula different than a midwife?” The biggest difference is that as a doula I am considered a non-medical birth professional.  Doulas do not do exams on their clients and only offer non-medical advice. In the case of a medical issue the doula always defaults to the client’s midwife or doctor. A doula is strictly a labor support person who is there to offer continuous physical, emotional, spiritual and educational support to the birthing mother and her partner. Physical support means being present continually for the birth and offering suggestions on ways to cope with labor. Emotional support can be serving as a sounding board for the mother both prenatally and during the post-partum period.  Spiritual support is an element that, as a Christian, I integrate into my practice through prayer and encouragement to my clients. Educational support consists of answering questions, assisting in the writing of a birth plan and offering books, DVDs, and even personal childbirth classes to clients to help them prepare for birth.  

The second biggest question that I hear is, “Why does a woman need a birth doula if her husband is with her during labor?” I love answering this question because I have had great experiences working not just with mothers during labor but also with fathers. It is unfair to assume that because a couple took a childbirth class that they are prepared for all the ups and downs of labor. The average man has had no experience with birth before stepping foot into a labor and delivery room. Doulas have that experience and knowledge under their belt and can provide a calm presence that will help both mother and father be fully “there” for the amazing experience of welcoming their child. Doulas come armed with an arsenal of techniques and expertise to soothe mama and help her cope with labor.  I love being able to provide support that allows dad to feel like he is really helping his wife bring their child into the world. 

The next question that usually pops up is, “Aren’t doulas only for women who want to have their babies naturally?” The answer to this question is a definitive “No!” The motto of DONA International, the world’s oldest and most respected doula certifying organization, is “A doula for every woman who wants one!” Whether you want to go au natural or you are anxious to get your epidural placed as soon as labor starts a doula can be lots of help both prenatally, during labor and through the post-partum period.  It is true that doulas are primarily trained to help women cope with the pains and struggles of a non-medicated delivery. However, we also receive training on positions and comfort measures for women who are having medicated and/or epidural pain relief as a way to augment labor. The biggest gift a doula can give her client is walking her through the facts and reality of all of her different birth options and helping the mother to be make the right decision for herself and her family. 

There is a ton of research to support the role of a doula. Studies show that the continuous presence of a trained support person can reduce the rates of intervention (pitocin augmentation, cesarean section, vacuum extraction, forceps delivery) during birth. Studies have also shown that women rate their birth experiences more positively when they have had the continuous support of a trained labor partner.  As a birth doula I cherish every opportunity I get to support women and their families through this uncertain, unique, and awe-inspiring time in their lives. 

I have only scratched the tip of the iceberg as far as the benefits that are offered by having a doula by your side during labor. If you have any additional questions about the role of a doula please feel free to leave them in the comments and I will be happy to respond (bear with me as I have a newborn of my own!).

Jessica is a grace lover, wife, new mama, motherless daughter, reluctant missionary and birth doula. She scribbles down stories of grace on her blog a diamond in the rough. She is currently working on her first e-book about finding God’s grace and discovering the heart of the Gospel when loss and grief are a part of your everyday life.  Follow her on twitter @adiamondnrough.

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