New Zealand has one of the best midwifery systems in the world. And within that system, many New Zealand midwives provide a service that is above and beyond their call of duty. Those amazing midwives will provide continuous care in labour and birth, transfer with the home birthing woman to hospital if the situation arose, offer physical and emotional labour support, and assist with breastfeeding support postnatally. And many, many other things. So within that system, what is the role of a doula, and who should have one?
The first thing to be aware of is a doula is not a midwife. The two roles are independent of each other and complement each other superbly. To find out a doula's scope of practice, see below.
Secondly, not every woman will want or need a doula. Many women have a sister, a mother or a friend who would make an exceptional birth support person. BUT THERE ARE MANY MANY WOMEN WHO WOULD HAVE AND WILL BENEFIT FROM A DOULA BIRTH COMPANION, AND MOST DON'T EVEN KNOW THIS IS A CHOICE AVAILABLE TO THEM!
So who benefits from having a doula birth companion?
-First time mothers:
How I wish I'd had a doula birth companion at my first birth! A doula supports the birthing parents from in early in labour as the mother wishes. That means for all of those hours of "pre labour" you would have someone continuously with you, explaining things, telling you this is normal, and offering positioning suggestions to help baby move down in a great position. She would keep the love high and the fear low, so when it is time for your midwife to arrive you are feeling empowered, and not full of fear and exhaustion.
-Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC):
-Previous birth trauma:
-Pregnancy complications:
Research shows having a doula reduces rates of intervention, pain relief and caesareans (Klaus and Kennel). Having a continuous empowering presence at your side, no matter where your birth takes you cannot be understated. Although hiring a doula doesn't guarantee you a vaginal birth, it does also help with the way you FEEL about your birth experience, no matter what the outcome.
Pre birth appointments provide you with an opportunity to talk about your fears and hopes, and the postnatal appointment with a de-brief about how things went for you. For those with previous birth trauma or a pregnancy complication, it can be really beneficial to have a non-medical professional and a non-family member with you during your birth. A doula can provide birth support and a listening ear without having to make clinical decisions, and without the emotional difficulties a family member may experience from your previous birth experience. A doula will also provide emotional encouragement, explanations and support to your partner and family members if they are there with you.
-Home birthing women:
As a general rule, women who choose a home birth are often better informed about labour and birth, simply because they need to be, and intervention rates are obviously lower. So at a home birth, a doula's presence is less about helping a woman to feel empowered to make informed decisions about medical intervention, and more about empowering a woman with confidence in her body's amazing ability to give birth. A doula will often arrive when labour begins, usually at least a couple of hours before the midwife arrives. A doula's job is to help set the scene and get the love hormones flowing. After all , its love that makes a baby be born! She will massage the labouring woman, provide lots of encouragement, and help set the environment to decrease neocortex stimulation. She will continue to provide physical, emotional and spiritual support, alongside the midwife throughout labour and birth. She will also help fill the birth pool, encourage Dad, prepare food, and look after any siblings as needed. She also helps with tidying up.
-Women from overseas, giving birth in New Zealand:
When you are new to a country it can be extremely difficult and isolating preparing to give birth and navigating that countries maternity system. Doula birth companions assist international families with interpreting and clarifying information, making informed decisions, finding out information about birth choices etc. New Zealand doulas can also assist with postpartum support and care, taking on the role a mother would if she were in New Zealand.
-Midwives:
If you have already worked with a doula, you will already know the benefits a birth companion brings to the team. For those that haven't, you have nothing to fear. The doula's first answer is frequently "Have you spoken to your midwife?". She is there to help you, not to hinder you in the partnership you have with your client. It is a wonderful thing to know your client is in a great head space when you arrive at her birth, and that she will continue to be well supported if you need to leave the birthing mother for a period of time to talk with the team etc.
-Those who would like to have a birth photographer:
Photographer birth companions have the double advantage of taking amazing photos, as well as providing a doula birth companion service. This is especially beneficial for families whose baby is not expected to live or are having a still birth.
So if you are having your first baby, had previous birth trauma, have a pregnancy complication, are planning a home birth, or would simply like a "sister" or a "mother" figure to love and support you in your birth, don't hesitate to consider hiring a doula birth companion. She will be a valuable asset to have at your side.
The Birthing Room is now taking bookings for 2015 for Auckland, Malborough, and Canterbury. To find out about a doula birth companion in your area please CONTACT US
To find out about a doula's scope of practice CLICK HERE
Special thanks to Bloom Birth Photography for the beautiful photo. To find out more about Bloom Birth Photography CLICK HERE
