The doula is a figure on the rise throughout the world. However, it is not a new profession or fashion. From ancient times, knowledge about the different aspects of femininity was transmitted from mothers to daughters or between women of the same family or tribe. The girls grew up watching other women give birth, breastfeed and raise their children. When they became mothers, the women were accompanied by other women in their environment, who offered them support, covering their physical and emotional needs.
And a doula is nothing more, and nothing less, than that. A woman with training and experience in the different maternal processes, who accompanies other women, providing emotional support during all stages of motherhood. The doula does not perform any clinical tasks but offers continuous emotional support and information to women and their families, during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. They also accompany other processes such as preconception or pregnancy loss.
What training does a doula have?
There are many trainings, lasting approximately one year, given by professionals from different fields related to motherhood. But none of these formations is officially regulated. There are associations such as Spanish Doulas Association, which are governed by a rigorous code of ethics and a committee of good practices, to guarantee the good practice of its members.
In most of the formations, the doula acquires the necessary knowledge about different physiological and emotional aspects, related to the different stages of motherhood. But we must not forget that, as Michel Odent says, "The value of a doula lies in what she is, rather than in what she knows or does". And it is that to accompany a woman in such crucial and delicate stages, such as pregnancies, births or pregnancy losses, the doula must possess a series of qualities such as active listening, empathy and respect, in addition to having done a job interior overcoming their own fears and weaknesses so that they do not surface at the moment of accompaniment. The Doula also knows, identify the needs of each woman and adapt to the motherhood that accompanies each moment.
Many doulas also have other training or resources that they can use in their work. However, it is essential that women be informed that this additional training is not part of their job as a doula so that there is no confusion around professional skills. The mission of the doula is to accompany and support the mother by respecting her in her decisions. The doula can offer information to the mother, but she does not pursue a certain type of motherhood, rather it is the woman who decides and the doula accompanies her from empathy and respect.
How can a doula help you?
The doula offers you accompaniment and continuous emotional support at any stage of motherhood in which you request it. A doula is not a health worker, her mission is to provide the mother with a space free from judgments, opinions or expectations so that she can live her motherhood in the way she chooses. The doula is and is next to the woman, respecting her wishes and decisions.
During pregnancy
You can discuss your concerns or expectations about motherhood with your doula. The doula can provide you with the necessary information about pregnancy or different delivery options, so you can make informed decisions. Together you can prepare a birth plan to consult with your midwife or gynecologist.
During the delivery
He accompanies you with discretion and respect offering support and emotional support. See to it that your wishes are respected whenever possible and help create a suitable environment for you and your baby.
After birth
Sometimes coming home and being alone with the baby can be difficult. Sometimes complications arise with breastfeeding or you are simply overwhelmed by the situation. The doula offers you emotional and logistical support, information and listening helping you to validate your feelings and emotions.
In perinatal gestational losses
The doula accompanies you, listens to you, empathizes with you and respects you. She offers you her unconditional love and support for as long as you need her.
What are the benefits of having a doula?
In the 70s, Drs. Klaus and Kennell conducted a pioneering study on the presence of a doula during childbirth. This study was carried out in a public hospital in Guatemala, with a high rate of births, caesarean sections and pharmaceutical costs. The study consisted of randomly assigning the women in labor the company of other women who had already been mothers. Other women were cared for by health personnel according to hospital protocol. The result was that women accompanied by other mothers required far fewer interventions than those accompanied by health personnel. This study was later repeated in Texas and the results were similar.
The benefits of doulas in numbers
According to data collected from the study A Doula Makes the Difference, published in Mothering Magazine, March-April 1998), the presence of a doula can mean:
- 50% reduction in caesarean sections
- 25% shorter delivery
- 60% fewer epidural requests
- 40% less use of synthetic oxytocin
- 30% less use of pain relievers
- 40% less use of forceps
- Less anxiety and postpartum depression.
- Increased bonding with your baby.
- Greater satisfaction (71% of cases compared to 30% of the cases studied that did not have the presence of a doula).
- Increased probability of successful breastfeeding (52% vs. 29%).
Other studies and reviews that have shown the benefits of having a doula
In 2012, the WHO ruled on the impact and benefits of continuous monitoring during the birthing process. In 2013, a Cochrane report concluded that continuous support to the woman during childbirth, by someone outside the health or family environment, seemed to be the most beneficial. In that same year, a study from the Journal of Perinatal Education, reiterated the benefits of the presence of the doulas. Recently, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has endorsed the benefits of doulas during childbirth.
The doula is a figure that is currently making a strong comeback, to cover the need for support that women's networks once offered. Their presence helps women understand their emotions in the face of the revolution that becoming a mother represents. The objective of the doula is not that the mother has a certain type of motherhood, but adapt and be at the side of the different maternity wards that it accompanies.