What is a doula?

So what actually is a doula? You may have heard the word a few times and probably heard about what a positive effect we have on births but may be wondering how we actually do that?

The simple one line explanation of it is that we are professionally trained individuals who specialize in providing emotional, physical and informational support to birthing and new families. 
​We like to compare it to Sherpa guides who help people climb Mount Everest. For some, birth is exactly like Mount Everest - a huge mountain that will have challenges along the way but inevitably be worth it to reach the top and see the view (or see your baby). The Sherpa is hired to take care of all the little details. We explain the many different paths to reach the top, the benefits and risks of each path but inevitably only you get to decide what steps to take to get you to the top. We follow along behind you, making sure you are nourished and physically doing well, and perhaps more importantly ready to encourage you when you think you can take one step more - reminding you that it is a journey that many have travelled before and that you not only can do it, but are doing it! If things happen in the birth where quick decisions need to be made, we help facilitate discussions to make sure you understand the new routes that may be suggested so you can make choices that feel safest to you. Then when you reach the top, we are there to celebrate with you and experience the view in awe. Then, in the journey back down, we remain, making sure you are doing okay and helping in any way that we can.

You would never climb everest without a Sherpa, don't birth without your doula. 

​DONA (Doulas of North America) explains how doulas fit into the birth team:
​“Women have complex needs during childbirth. In addition to the safety of modern obstetrical care, and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect. They need individualised care based on their circumstances and preferences. The role of the birth doula encompasses the non-clinical aspects of care during childbirth."

​FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions.

What is a Doula?

Doula:  a woman experienced in childbirth who provides advice, information, emotional support and physical comfort to a birther before, during, and just after childbirth. From Greek doula, female helper. 

Doulas are a fairly modern invention, filling the position an experienced family member or friend would have in earlier times by providing support to the labouring woman and her family during birth.

The basics to expect from hiring a doula:
  • assistance with a birth plan
  • comfort techniques during the labor process
  • non-judging support for your wishes
  • basic assistance immediately after the birth

Do Doulas only attend "natural" births/home births?

Doulas are professionally trained to assist all varieties of births. Doulas become doulas to support birthers regardless of home, hospital, midwife, OB, natural, epidural or cesarean birth. 

Do I need a doula?

All birthers need support. It is a very personal decision what that support will look like. Discuss with your partner what kind of birth team is right for you. Continuous labor support can be exhausting for a partner. If it is your first child together, a partner may not know what to expect. Doulas know what birth looks and feels like which can be very reassuring for both parents and other support people.

What does a doula DO during the birth?

Every doula is different and brings varied levels of experience and tools with them but across the board, here are the basics:
  • keeping birther comfortable and well hydrated
  • setting up the atmosphere that birther would like
  • reminding health care providers and fellow support people what your wishes are
  • cool wash cloths on your forehead
  • reminding birther of their power with positive birth affirmations
  • suggesting positions and comfort measures for all phases and stages
  • assisting partners with being the support person they want to be
  • giving partners a break
… just to name a few!

What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?

A doula is a trained labor support person, a midwife is a medical professional. The midwife is responsible for the health and safety on both birther and baby and provide the medical support, advice and procedures as needed. Midwives typically join the birther well into active labour.

The doula is responsible for the birther  (and partner), making sure they are happy, comfortable and well taken care of. The doula stays with birther from the moment they require additional support, through the birth and for a few hours after, to make sure birther is settled in well. A doula does not perform any medical procedures like vaginal exams, blood pressure checks or fetal heart rate.

Will a doula replace my partner?

No, partners will always know the birther better than the doula does and their role is vital. The doula will help your partner find ways to support the birth to the best of their ability and comfort level. Read more here.

Do you have more questions?

If you have more questions don’t hesitate to contact us. ​

"She's your absolute dream partner. Her knowledge 
and experience allowed me to make decisions that
 were best for me and my baby. "
- S. D.

The Maya's Nest Doulas and Birth Photographers provide information, support and nurturing while capturing life's
​ most precious moments to families in Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody,
 New Westminster, Langley and Surrey.