We asked on our FB post yesterday what word/s came to mind when we said, Doula. Several people commented they thought of the word “support”.
What does that support look like exactly?
While it can vary from person to person, based on our client’s needs and desires, here are some examples of how we at Rocket City Doulas provide birth doula support.
Your doula may provide:
- Counter pressure– this is one of our first go-to’s when we meet our clients at the hospital. Many clients feel relief in not only our physical touch but the counter-pressure itself. If the partner is interested, we suggest that they continue with the counter-pressure once we are escorted into a room.
- Movement suggestions– if you’re planning to labor and birth without an epidural, we may suggest types of laboring positions to help with comfort. If you’re planning to utilize an epidural, your doula may not only suggest different laboring positions but may also help you move into them.
- Reminders of self-care– our doulas remind the laboring person to stay hydrated and take frequent bathroom breaks. (Your doula may also remind your partner to hydrate and eat.)
- A calming environment– your doula may suggest turning down the main lights, putting up white twinkle lights, playing the playlist you’ve selected.
- A calm voice during stressful moments– Doulas can help explain what is going on during scary or stressful moments. Our doulas can talk you through a procedure so you know what to expect before it happens, or while it’s happening.
- Information– Doulas are a wealth of information. They can help you work through situations that arise during your labor and delivery.
- Information on procedures– our doulas bring knowledge of the tools available to you during your labor and birth.
- A safe space– to express your fears or concerns.
- A safe space to be yourself– You aren’t going to hurt our feelings by speaking bluntly with us, you aren’t going to shock us with whatever language you use or any rituals you may have during labor.
- A teammate– we don’t take the place of your partner! We are a team. Your partner knows you and we know birth!
- A shoulder to lean on– when things are hard or discouraging, your doula is there to just be in the hard with you.
- Reassurance– that you are doing great and making the best choices for you and your baby.
It’s hard to type out all of the types of support our doulas provide. I would be remiss to say this a comprehensive list. What other kind of support would add to our list that we may have missed?
