What is a Doula's Role?

[daisy4300]

Hi
Just wondering if someone could explain what a Doula's role is? Is she just like a support person or is there more to it. Thanks.

[mayhem]

my understanding is that their role is to help you through your pregnancy with general info like the stuff they give you through the hospital and gain your understanding of how you would like your birth to be

to have an understanding of your wishes if something went wrong and how you would like things to be handled for any intervention that your midwife/ob/other person who is present during the birth is suggesting

to be your support person during the birth

thats just what i think from general reading

[annsam]

You doula is there for support yes but trained support so she knows little tips and tricks. She will support you in any way required however she will also ensure you have a voice in an intimidating environment. Check out some doula websites for more on what specific doulas do.

[MelissafromSyd]

The doula's role is as a support person, for emotional and physical support during your birth. Some women have friends, sisters etc who they use as support people instead of a doula, but for some women, a doula is perfect as they have no-one close to them for support in their labour.

[BreithCuidiu]

A Doula is trained specifically to offer support in pregnancy, labour and early parenting. This could be anything from suggesting better positions for active labour, hypnobirthing or Calmbirth expertise or rubbing out a cramp in your foot.

They can be a great resource throughout pregnancy if you have questions or need a shoulder to cry on. A Doula can offer unbiased support and not going to NEED SUPPORT like a distressed friend or family member. You may also like a Doula if you want continuity and friendship, rather than a health professional. We take on a very limited number of clients so the relationship evolves into something much more.

A Doula is also a great support for your partner or support people who are there not just to supprt you, but to witness the baby's birth. They will often need coffee and hugs and a Doula can take care of the whole crowd if you have a cheer squad involved in your birth.

Call me biased but they're pretty great!

[CaitlinArai22]

i just want to add, that a doula will fight for your wishes during pregnancy and birth, and some have even been known to help with cleaning shopping cooking if things get dire. My doula has taken a very relaxed role, as i asked her too, but now i need her is more then ready to jump up and deal with the problems with me - she will be coming to my appointments to voice my needs and want, as i get very emotional and am easily swayed, and am not getting any say in my birth at the mo. she will be helping me plan a birth i am comfortable with rather then the drs, and she will make sure that plan is followed. i have told her i do not like the idea of someone taking over completely with bub or saying "it has to be this way" so she will be hanging back until i ask her for help, she will mainly be there to make sure me and dp are coping, and he is still healthy and okay if i'm not keeping a good eye on him (i am carer for dp) advising of little tricks and assisting when things get too much for us. she is the most wonderful woman, i almost freaked out yesterday until i spoke to her, and shes going to be a friend, a support, a go-for, an avocate, an advisor and occasionally a cleaner:laughing:

It depends on your individual situation, but for some of us its very important to have someone we can trust with the reigns if things get too much, or for whatever reason we cant make a decision ourselves, can make a call based on what we would want.