Ask a Doula

What is a Doula?

A doula provides non-medical pregnancy and labor support to the birthing person and family. Prenatally, the doula meets with the family to help prepare for their ideal birth. This might involve compiling birth preferences; explaining common interventions, when they might be recommended, and their pros and cons; helping the pregnant person put together a game plan for what to expect after the birth; and preparing for labor by discussing how the doula, pregnant person, and any other support people will work together when baby is ready to arrive.

The doula is there to hear your wishes and dreams, fears and anxieties, and help empower you to have the best, most positive labor and birth experience possible. 

WHY Did you become a doula?

I must confess I don’t have a short and sweet answer. Try as I have to refine my elevator speech over the past couple of years, the truth is there was one one defining moment for me, no crystal-clear realization that this is what I was meant to do. The path that led me here is one I think I first touched as a child, though it took me a long time to realize it.

I first learned what a doula was when I was around 10 years old. The hospital in my hometown in New Hampshire ran a program (and still does, I hope) providing volunteer doulas to at-risk or in-need birthing people. Several of my mother’s friends trained to be doulas under this program, and I thought it was the coolest, most magical thing. From the word itself (doo-laah--so soft and beautiful!) to the idea of accompanying and holding space for people in this moment of enormous vulnerability and transformation, I found it fascinating and worthy of great admiration.

Fast-forward to my twenties. The thought of becoming a doula came to me soon after I graduated college, but the logistics weren’t quite right at the time. Finally, in 2017, I found myself at an unexpected crossroads, facing the prospect of rewriting the narrative of what I thought I was doing with my life and where I expected my path to lead me. The idea of becoming a doula came to me again, and this time the moment was ripe. I trained under Michelle L’Esperance of Warm Welcome Birth Services in September 2017, and started attending births the following year. Moon Cradle Doula officially launched the summer of 2019.

What does a doula do during labor?

During labor, the doula is a constant presence in the labor room as soon as she is called in. The doula can offer a variety of comfort measures from emotional support to positioning techniques--the doula will be your cheerleader, hold your hand, and help you move (around the room or lying in bed!) in ways to ease your pain and facilitate labor progression. The doula is also there for your partner! Doula, partner, and any other members of the support team are all working together, and the doula can offer encouragement, relief, and advice to help them continue to support you if their energy is fading or anxiety takes hold. 

What does a doula not do?

Having no medical training, as a doula, I do not provide medical advice or medical services. I will not be checking blood pressure or performing cervical checks, nor will I deliver your baby myself! Furthermore, I cannot make medical decisions for your, or argue with your doctor on your behalf. (That’s why, during prenatal visits, I do my best to give you the tools to confidently advocate for yourself, and during labor I can help you remember your questions and preferences so that you might communicate them to your provider.) 

I’m worried a doula will judge me and my choices.

As your doula I will not judge your decisions for your birth! A doula is NOT anti-doctor, anti-epidural, or anti-caesarian. I will not be disappointed if your birth involves medical pain relief or you end up needing a c-section, nor will I actively discourage you from using pain relief medication. I am here to support you no matter what you choose.

WHY HIRE A DOULA?

Honestly, why not hire a doula? The benefits are considerable and demonstrable. Pregnant people who have continuous support from a doula during their labor are less likely to request pain medication, less likely to require c-sections, and tend to have shorter labors. When a doula is present, the person giving birth tends to receive fewer medical interventions and comes away with an overall more positive impression of their birth experience. 

Moreover, having a doula signals to your doctor or provider that you are entering into your labor and birth experience with a certain degree of preparation and information. Many doctors and nurses appreciate having a doula on a patient’s support team for the assistance and encouragement they are able to contribute.