The Value of A Doula
As science and technology rapidly develops, the human body and spirit are
pushed farther and farther to the side. Natural pregnancy and birth are seen
as a waste of the latest and greatest methods of producing a perfect
outcome, another notch in the belt for our increasingly technical medical
society. During this process, mothers are forgotten. This is when a Doula is
most valuable. A doula serves. She serves as a filter for the avalanche
of questions and answers an expectant mother and family may have.
A Doula serves as an anchor to help the family learn about all their
choices and to remain firm in their decisions and beliefs. She serves as a
confidant, allowing the family to express concerns, fears and expectations
without judgment. She serves as the person hoping to inspire the family to
make empowering choices. She serves as an advocate for mother and child
during times when strength may waver. She serves as a woman, with her
heart and hands; her most important tool. This is her most important role.
Just as those before her have experienced the power women create during
birth, the doula passes this strength to others. By providing physical and
emotional support during labor and birth, the doula gives her the strength and
courage to trust in herself and her baby.
Labor support provides many different levels of care. It can be as simple
as sitting quietly while a laboring mother sleeps. Just the presence of an
experienced woman reduces stress, reassures family during labor and gives
mothers piece of mind. Mothers without a support system or an unsure
partner can experience fear and tension. This can greatly affect her labor
progress. Fear increases the intensity of pain. A doula can help by working
with the mother and family prior to labor. Expelling myths and providing
accurate, non-biased information are of extreme importance. With
increased levels of knowledge, a mother begins to take back her natural
rights to birth without intervention or interferences. She takes back control.
Along with the knowledge the doula brings, there is physical care. Physical
touch has been proven in hundreds of studies to decrease pain, lower
blood pressure and lessen the risk of health complications. Touch has been
used in the care of pre-term infants for years. It has been shown to
increase growth and physical healing and decrease the length of
hospitalization. Massage during labor stimulates natural pain chemicals
within the laboring mothers body, allowing her to cope without the need for
medical intervention.
A simple back rub provides not only pain relief, but a rhythm for the
mother to follow. Rocking, swaying or rocking again provides a natural
rhythm for the mother to follow. As a team, the mother, doula and partner
create a circle of strength. Constant presence, touch and reassurance bind
the circle until it is almost impenetrable. It is the Doulas role to keep this
circle strong from beginning of labor and beyond. She is connected only to
this laboring family. By making the commitment to this family, at that
moment, the doula insures no conflict of interest. This allows a mother to
completely trust in the care provided without concern of ulterior motives or
financial gain. It is the Doulas responsibility to be reliable and available.
The greatest accomplishment of the doula is helping to give the family
joyous and fulfilling birth memories. By doing this she adds the new
mothers whisper of encouragement to the next birthing mother.
