What is a Doula?
There are many definitions of what a doula is, and most of them include emotional, physical, and informational support. These definitions may make sense to doulas, but it can be challenging to interpret what this means.
Not to worry! We are here to help you get super clear on what doulas do to improve your experience throughout your childbearing time and other life transitions.
Doula Definitions
Each doula training organization has a slightly different definition of what it is to be a doula.
"A trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible."
"Doulas are skilled professionals who reduce fear and instill strength for birthing families by providing continuous support. Doulas help people during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period by offering evidence-based information, providing physical comfort measures, and by being emotionally present and available."
"A trained professional hired to provide information, guidance and support to pregnant women and their families during pregnancy, labor, and shortly after birth"
Different Types of Doulas
Doulas of North America were initially only associated with birth support. Today, you can find doulas who offer support for a variety of significant life transitions, including death doulas, adoption doulas, antepartum doulas, and full-spectrum doulas. There is even a website doula! The word doula has really come to be synonymous with support.
But what does the word support even mean?
What is a Doula: Emotional Support
An authentic and meaningful connection with others is a basic human need. Emotional support can be defined as empathy and compassion for the well-being of someone else.
You can tell you are being emotionally supported when you feel accepted and cared for. You know that your feelings matter and that the other person is not judging you. When emotionally supporting others, we walk alongside them through joy, fear, anger, and happiness, through both simple and challenging experiences.
Studies show that people who have emotionally supportive relationships experience a greater sense of well-being, are physically healthier, and live longer!
So how does that apply to childbirth with a doula?
Emotional support creates a safe space to talk about your needs, desires, and feelings. With a doula providing emotional support, you can better communicate your thoughts. As a laboring woman, being able to openly share your thoughts will allow you to process and release feelings, which brings a sense of comfort and confidence.
It is often said that the medical professionals on your birth team are most focused on "healthy mother, healthy baby." In contrast, your doula is primarily focused on a "healthy mind, healthy bond."
Doulas may be trained in the art of validation, and a good doula is a highly skilled listener. Doulas provide encouragement and reassurance without any judgment or bias. Emotional support is nurturing you as you become the nurturer.
Emotional support in the postpartum period
Emotional support is a critical component of all doula care. Postpartum doulas offer the same nurturing and validation as birth doulas. Throughout the first year with your baby, you will face challenges and decisions. Your doula can be there every step of the way to be your sounding board, a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, a cheerleader.
Emotional support is often the domain of mothers and close friends and family. Still, because they are not invested in your experience, doulas have a unique ability to provide a deeper level of support in this area. What you choose and how you feel has no impact on a doula. Doulas do not take your emotions personally or have preferences about how you should raise your child. This unbiased and judgment-free stance means a doula can genuinely meet you where you are, and you can feel safe being open and honest.
What is a Doula: Physical Support
Touch is central to the human experience. From the moment we are born to our last breath, touch impacts our emotional, spiritual, and physical health in a profound manner.
Touch is an integral part of the physical support that a doula offers and may consist of:
Massage
Counter pressure
Hip squeezes
Holding
Hair brushing
Every laboring person has different preferences for touch, that may shift throughout the birthing experience. Doulas are sensitive to these needs and adjust the care they provide accordingly.
A doula can also help your partner or other support people provide physical comfort to you.
In addition to touch, physical support during labor is also:
Position changes
Reminders to eat, drink, pee
Refilling water bottles
Preparing hot or cold packs
Running a bath or turning on a shower
How do postpartum doulas offer physical support?
Physical support in the postpartum period looks different than it does during labor. It may still encompass some comfort measures like hot and cold packs and touch, but often it includes household tasks. Physical support during the postpartum period can be tasks, such as:
Light housekeeping
Walking the dog
Helping with breastfeeding positions
Encouraging you to eat, drink, or nap
Preparation of meals and snacks
Holding the baby so you can shower and eat
Playing with your toddler while you breastfeed or rest
What is a Doula: Informational Support
Informational or educational support from a doula refers to the knowledge base a doula can pull from to help you make decisions about your birth experience. This can include:
Information about normal physiological birth
What you need to know about your chosen birth location
Evidence-based facts about your options when creating a birth plan
Childbirth education classes
Newborn care classes
Seeking out scientific studies to help you decided what to do if your birth does not go the way you hope
Referrals to other professionals
As experts on childbirth and postpartum recovery, doulas hold knowledge about what you can expect and have a network of other professionals to help you navigate your experience. The most skilled doulas navigate medical journals and scientific publications with ease. They can offer evidence-based, unbiased resources for you to use when deciding what is best for your family.
What is a Doula: Supporting Partners
No one can replace your partner or a close loved one at your birth and throughout the postpartum period. A child's birth is often a profound experience for dads and may not be a subject they know much about. Doulas support partners physically, emotionally, and informationally, too. Your partner may need reassurance, a space to share their feelings, or reminders to take breaks, eat, drink, and use the washroom.
If desired, a doula can help your partner support you physically and emotionally. Acting as a guide, a doula shows your partner the trade tricks to provide a level of comfort that only a person you love can give. During and after birth, doulas help facilitate bonding between you and your partner and your partner and baby.
Customized and Personalized Doula Support
Every family is different and will have different needs. Some people choose doula support for companionship or to make their birth more fun. Others may feel safer knowing they have a birth expert by their side throughout the experience. Whatever your needs, we can help you find the perfect doula to support you and your family.
To find a doula anywhere in North America, fill out our inquiry form. Based on your needs and budget, we'll send recommendations right to your inbox! Have questions? Visit our FAQ.
