What Is a Doula + Why Hire One?

What is a Doula?

Doula (from the Greek meaning female servant) is a new term for an ancient role: that of women supporting other women in birth. Your doula cares primarily for your emotional needs and physical comfort rather than having any medical responsibilities.

Regardless of where you give birth, your doula will assist you before, during, and after birth with education, hands-on support, and personal recommendations for other practitioners in the Portland area. If you are giving birth with another support person (like your husband), doulas are great at supporting them as well! I always say, I want your birth partner to be the hero, not me. That means suggesting supportive positions for them, making sure they are engaged in the birth process and not overwhelmed, and giving them a break to sleep or get a bite to eat.

Here are some particular benefits for different birth settings:

The Benefits of a Doula in a Hospital Setting

Doulas shine in a hospital setting. It is here that our care is perhaps most necessary, as we provide an anchor of continuity amidst changes of staff and an unfamiliar environment. In a hospital, the people attending your birth are most likely people you are meeting for the first time on that day, in that room. Your birth partner and doula are the exceptions. It is the doula’s job to know your personality and preferences and provide support and advocacy that reflects those priorities to the rest of the care team. Through our in-depth conversations before and after birth, doulas seek to truly understand your birth vision and do everything within our power to facilitate it. In our conversations, we have a chance to talk through all the possible options and interventions that may arise so that you as the birthing mother can make informed choices that reflect your values. Additionally, doulas are a reverent and peaceful presence in a sometimes busy and stressed environment. A doula can help the wonderful care teams of Portland-area hospitals to serve you better throughout your birth.

The Benefits of a Doula in a Birth Center or Homebirth

Many of the same benefits apply to having a doula at a birth center or homebirth. In these settings, you are working with a midwife. Many midwives are actually quite hands-off in early and active labor. They need to conserve their attention and energy for the exciting phase of transition, birth, and immediate postpartum. Especially if you are laboring at home before heading to one of Portland’s beautiful birth centers, a doula can be invaluable support. Even during the moments of active birth, the midwives are again, primarily in close observation to make sure mama and baby and healthy, and not necessarily available to hold your hand or speak words of assurance to you. Their responsibility is primarily medical care, while the doula’s responsibility is primarily emotional and physical support. Your birth partner is a great candidate for this, but especially for first-timers, the whole process can be a bit overwhelming and it can be helpful to have another informed, peaceful presence to anchor into.

The Ordinary Extraordinary

Remember, birth is extraordinarily ordinary. It’s happening at every moment around the world and yet, your birth story is completely unique and sacred. The right doula will understand that and be able to hold space for you regardless of where you give birth.

Please message me to schedule a free consultation – I would love to answer any questions and find out if I might be the right doula for you!

Warmly,

Clementine