Doulas, alongside established medical caregivers like midwives and gynaecologists, can offer valuable aid to individuals throughout the journey of pregnancy and childbirth. Pregnancy and delivering a baby are monumental life events, but they also come with numerous challenges. The right support systems can greatly help to navigate these challenges, and many individuals have found significant benefits from the assistance of doulas to ensure positive experiences during pregnancy and childbirth.
Doulas provide adaptable help to individuals throughout their pregnancy, regardless of how or where they intend to deliver. It’s important to note, however, that doulas are not medically trained professionals and should not substitute the role of midwives and doctors. You can find more information about the roles, benefits, and distinctions of doulas.
Nowadays, there isn’t a fixed definition of a doula. Although medical training isn’t a prerequisite, a lot of doulas have earned some form of certification, potentially via programmes like DONA International-accredited training workshops or New Beginnings Doula Training.
Essentially, doulas are individuals who provide physical and emotional aid during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods. They can be a tremendously positive addition to a clinical team, composed of licensed professionals like midwives and doctors. Doulas are usually available throughout the delivery, frequently advocating for the individuals if necessary. They can also offer support to partners, helping them to best support the pregnant individual. After the delivery, the doula can continue providing help to the new parent and their family.
The roles of doulas and midwives, while both hugely beneficial, are distinct. Doulas primarily offer physical and emotional support, whereas midwives, as medical professionals, expertly manage the childbirth processes, including handling regular complications. When major complications occur during childbirth, midwives collaborate with doctors. Midwives can work variously including in hospitals, medical centers, birth centers, and for home births. On the other hand, doulas, being non-medical professionals, provide a variety of different types of support.
Numerous research studies have demonstrated considerable benefits associated with having a doula. A 2019 study suggested that doula support leads to an increase in self-confidence and independence. Those who require culturally tailored support may also find benefit from a doula’s assiatnce. For instance, a person may have religious beliefs that dictate how her body should be covered during childbirth.
Individuals may select a doula from their own circle of family and friends, or they may look externally. Organisations such as DONA International and Doula Match can aid in the search for a doula. Many organisations offer doula training programs, despite there not being any legal requirement for doulas to be certified currently.
Doulas can offer crucial support both during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as in the postpartum period. They typically establish a trust-based relationship with the individual during their pregnancy. While doulas can provide invaluable emotional and physical assistance during the stages of parenthood, they necessarily have limited capabilities, being non-medical professionals. They should always defer to qualified healthcare professionals in situations beyond their training and qualification. Despite no legal requirement for specific training or education, many doulas choose to undertake formal training or certification courses.
Doulas can offer critical emotional and physical support to individuals and their families throughout the processes of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. While they can never completely replace the role of medical professionals such as midwives and doctors, they still have a valuable part to play in supporting new parents and their families. Research evidence indicates that doula care has numerous benefits for people giving birth and their families.