The figure of the Doula

Doula is a word that comes from the Greek and means “the woman who is at the service of the woman“. Currently, within the terminology of the world of motherhood, doula refers to the woman who accompanies the woman and her partner during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. In the past our society was organized in a more tribal way, several generations lived together in the same house, and the neighbors were much closer than they are now. The moment of childbirth was also experienced exclusively by women: the midwife who accompanied the birth and other women close to the midwife. The figure of the doula then was the mother, grandmother, aunt, friend…

Some classical authors, such as Soranus, defined it as “women who should be able to gently relieve the mother’s anxiety.” Nowadays we are facing a more individualistic society and women can feel alone to face the entire process of motherhood. This is where the doula comes in with her accompaniment, a good support for future mothers and fathers.

WHAT TASKS DOES IT PERFORM?

The task of the doula is to promote continuous emotional support and physical well-being, as well as practical and logistical accompaniment. It is a calm and constant presence close to the mother and partner throughout the process, both childbirth and postpartum. It is important to note that the doula does not provide medical or health assistance, but acts as a bridge between the couple and the medical team, thus facilitating the relationship between the two. Women have certain needs during labor, for example, and in addition to the security that modern obstetrics can offer, and the love and accompaniment of the couple, women also need to be restored to trust, to be given comfort, relief, respect, and to be encouraged and encouraged. They need individualized attention based on their needs and preferences. The doula figure encompasses all these aspects.

The role of the father (or partner) is reinforced alongside the doula, as she is there in addition to the partner, not in their place. The father (or partner) brings his intimate knowledge of the woman and love for the baby, and the doula helps him to reduce his stress and to be able to enjoy the birth in a more comfortable, calm and natural way. In addition, the couple usually feels safer and more confident if they know that there is an expert person who is accompanying them throughout the process.

WHO DOES A DOULA ACCOMPANY?

In the United States and some Northern European countries, the doula is a well-known and valued figure. In our country its presence is not so common, but there are more and more women and couples who feel the desire to be accompanied by a doula. It can accompany a woman/couple during a natural birth, at home for example or in a birthing house, and it can also accompany a hospital birth, and even a scheduled cesarean section. The doula always accompanies the decisions of the woman and the couple, in a respectful and loving way.

WHAT BENEFITS DOES IT BRING?

Several international studies* have named the multiple benefits of accompanying a doula during the labor and postpartum process:

• Reduces the length of labor. Reduces the need for anesthesia or analgesia. Reduces the incidence of cesarean sections.
• Reduces the need for forceps, occytokine, and episiotomies.
• Natural births are on the rise.
• Better psychological and long-term effects.
• Better satisfactory perception of childbirth and greater self-esteem in the mother.
• Better overall condition of the baby.
• Better affective bonding with the baby.
• Better initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding.

During the 1970s, doctors Kennell and Klauss conducted a series of studies to look at obstetric outcomes during childbirth and mother-baby bonding. They found that women who received continuous emotional support during pregnancy, relief measures and comfort during the birth process, had a much less painful and complicated birth. These studies also found that the number of medical interventions during labour, when there was an accompaniment of a doula, was very clearly reduced, and the process was less medicalised and easier. It was also observed that, if they were given confidence and well-being during labor and postpartum, mother-baby bonds were much stronger and the success rate of breastfeeding increased significantly. The doula is really an effective and positive support during the process of birth of a baby and, ultimately, a great support during the birth of a new family.

HOW TO ACCOMPANY A DOULA…

DURING PREGNANCY

He interviews to meet the future mother, partner… their expectations, fears and desires regarding childbirth and its development. This is where a relationship of respect and trust is established, the basis for ensuring that the work of the doula is carried out with satisfaction for both parties.

DURING DELIVERY

It offers physical and emotional support to the mother and the partner, encouraging her, accompanying the breathing… making her feel relaxed and that her wishes for childbirth are, as far as possible, respected. It can also be an aid to the midwife (not her substitute).

DURING THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD

She accompanies the mother in the process of discovering her capacities as a mother, supporting her and giving her emotional and logistical support. It also supports the father in his new role, facilitating his acceptance and integration of it.

SOME TESTIMONIALS

Cristina and Leonel, Arlett’s future parents, chose to have the accompaniment of a doula: “Our doula was a great support during pregnancy and childbirth. She helped us prepare everything and during the birth process, especially during dilation, she accompanied us on walks and breathing… She has been a great help and we have felt safer and comforted to have her close ”.

Monica, Jaume and little Pau were also accompanied by a doula during their postpartum process: “The accompaniment of our doula made us feel helped, listened to, understood and respected in this delicate moment of any family. We greatly value how he has known, at all times, to be present respecting our family privacy and our decisions ”.

To know a little more…

“The baby is a mammal.” Michel Odent. Editorial OB STARE.”
Be born at home.” Sheila Kitzinger. Editorial RBA Integral.”
The Doula Book“. Kennel and Klaus. Perseus Publishing. 2002
“Bésame mucho“. Carlos González. Ediciones Planeta.

The Figure of the Doula (October 13, 2011) “MOMS AND BABIES”

TEXT: NÚRIA ALSINA PUNSOLA. Doula and Early Childhood and Parenting Specialist
www.espaimimam.com (nuria@espaimimam.com)
Mares Doules (www.maresdoules.cat)

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The figure of the Doula