Doula - Birth and post partum-What is the difference?

Types of Doulas

Birth Doula

A birth doula assists the woman before, during and often after the delivery. Birth doulas are trained in childbirth, and most have given birth themselves. The main goal of a birth doula is to help the woman have a safe and satisfying childbirth as the woman defines it.

The birth doula has three main responsibilities:

Emotional Support - The doula provides emotional support through her constant presence throughout labor and delivery. Once labor begins, the doula remains by the side of the mother-to-be until the birth is completed and frequently for the first one or two hours afterwards.

The doula provides emotional support in an active way. She adjusts her style to fit each patient and responds as the patient's needs change during the labor. She understands and accepts the woman's pain and fear and serves as a source of support, helping the woman remain confident and in control. The doula also supports the father and any family members who may be present.

Education - The doula educates and informs the mother about obstetric routines and procedures and thus keeps the mother advised about her progress during birth. The doula encourages the mother to manage the situation by listening to the messages the body sends during birth, changing her position, adjusting breathing, and using other stress and pain reducing techniques.

Especially now with the discovery of the importance of skin-to-skin or kangaroo care immediately after childbirth the doula can act as an emotional and informational resource for the mother. The doula can explain what will happen immediately after childbirth and the woman can prepare to have the baby on her chest, skin to skin.

Liaison - The doula functions as a liaison between the patient and the medical staff. She does not give medical advice or perform any medical duties, but she's on hand to support the mother if she has questions for the medical staff.
Postpartum Doula

A Postpartum doula works in the fourth trimester, just after pregnancy. The role of the postpartum doula is to provide support, advice, and assistance in the weeks and months following birth. In the past, the family of a new baby could rely on their family members or friends to assist them. After giving birth women are often surrounded by caring family members who have a great deal of experience and wisdom to offer. While these resources are available today, they may not always be provided due to increasing distances between family members and their loved ones.

The postpartum doula provides:

• Education
• Non-judgmental support
• Companionship
• Assistance with newborn care and family adjustment
• Assistance with meal preparation
• Assistance with light household tasks

Postpartum doulas offer evidence-based information on:

• Infant feeding
• Emotional and physical recovery from birth
• Infant soothing
• Coping skills for new parents
• Safe infant sleeping
• Referrals for more education on these topics when necessary

The doula may also be a buffer to parents who may have received outdated advice. The doula can help friends and family to foster and support the parenting decisions of the new parents. By modeling a deep respect for the wisdom and decision making abilities of the new parents, she makes clear that supporting them in their own choices will have the best results.

Michaelle de Ruiter is a doula dn RMT, located at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson Dr. red Deer 403-347-3261
www.family1stchiro.ca