Let's Talk About: What Doulas Do

There exists a lot of mystery and misunderstanding around the role of Doula. The amount of time I spend explaining what I ‘do’ when someone asks me what my job is provides anecdotal evidence at least to that fact.

It’s possible that when discussing Doulas you will likely get one of two responses.
Either - ‘A what now? Sounds like some kind of hippy stuff?” OR ‘Oh my God, that’s awesome. My sister/friend/I had a Doula and they were incredible’. As with so much in today’s society there appear to be ‘camps’ - and it can be easy to find yourself in one or the other.

The reality is much more nuanced. Indeed, the role of the Doula is to be and do what YOU want and need. We’re chameleons. BUT what do we DO? I certainly try to answer that - and it’s only my perspective, of course.

WHATS MY TAKE?

If we could boil it down to a simple, snappy statement a Doula is a pregnancy and birth companion. We help parents and parents-to-be navigate pregnancy, birth and the early days by offering emotional, practical and informational support and tools.

That’s my take on it. And my definition. But if you ask a different Doula you may well get a different response. I’d encourage you to, in fact.

OK, BUT IN PRACTICAL TERMS WHAT YOU DOULAS DO?

Here’s my take:

Doulas listen.
Doulas provide companionship.
Doulas offer information, exploration of evidence bases, signposting for resources and explanations for all things pregnancy and birth related. (Often Doulas are self-certified birth nerds or at the very least we’re passionate about the marvels of birth)
Doulas provide tools for birth.
Doulas offer practical support - we wipe brows, set up birth pools, dim lights, close doors, massage backs, make tea and warm towels. The list goes on….
Doulas offer an independent voice - our independence is part of what makes us special.
Doulas help parents answer questions - we also aim to ask questions.
Doulas support and counsel birth partners.
Doulas support midwives and other care professionals in the birthing room - supporting environments and dynamics.
Doulas support self advocacy and, in some cases we can advocate for birthing people should the situation require it.
Doulas care.

WHY IS DOULA SUPPORT SO SPECIAL? (GRANTED, I'M BIASED!)

Doulas are all individuals, we come with our own experiences, passions, interests and specialities. We have different offerings and different ‘packages’ of support. I believe there is a Doula for everyone for that very reason.

Doula work is deeply personal. When you choose a Doula you are doing so with your head AND your heart. Ideally, it's a decision based not only on practicalities like availability and affordability but because you LIKE your Doula. You trust them. The illusive ‘click’. When you know, you know.

And perhaps it’s that personal connection, the ‘click’ alongside the power you assert in the act of choosing your Doula to join your support crew which makes the role so special - for both the Doula and the parents.

Doulas offer something else which can prove extremely valuable - continuity. Specifically, continuity of care. Without going into too much detail on the known benefits of continuity in care, suffice to say that having a known and consistent carer during your pregnancy and birth has been shown again and again to improve outcomes and experiences. Along with your birth partner, Doulas have the unusual privilege of being chosen by you to walk alongside you.

And that is an enormous privilege for any Doula.

Much love
Becca
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