Having a Doula for Pregnancy and Beyond

Having A Doula For Pregnancy And Beyond

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Many young women have no idea how demanding pregnancy can be on her body; as she changes, and the baby changes position. The same goes for labor; the need to be in total control during labor is a key factor in having a pleasant birth experience.

As wonderful as pregnancy, labor, delivery and motherhood is, it is no easy task; so a little or a lot of help from a Doula can make the entire experience less stressful for both mom and dad.

So now the question is “what and how can a Doula help the pregnant couple”?

A Doula is a woman who is trained, and has attended a few births, she is usually a mother and may even be a grandmother. The word Doula is an ancient word for “with women”. Men try their very best to be on task during the pregnancy and labor; but because they have never experienced this, for some it may be difficult or even scary. That is where a Doula is very helpful.

As a pregnant woman you seek out a Doula, in some neighborhoods it may easy to find one, while in other neighbhorhoods it is unheard of. Many doctors like to be in total control and if the baby is not out on “schedule” inducing or a c-section may be ordered.

A Doula, tells you your options, the pros and cons of certain hospital routines, such as the epidural and inducing methods. Then goes on to help you learn techniques that will be very helpful during labor. Labor is just that, hard work! It can take a few days to get to 3-4 centimeters without ever even knowing it, while for some to may seem like a life time. That is where a Doula is very helpful, because if she has been hired from about the sixth month of your pregnancy she has worked with you and your partner on different techniques to get through some of the discomfort associated with labor. It is difficult in the beginning of labor and not to lie, it gets more difficult as labor moves along.

So simply put, a Doula meets with you and your partner, if you’re all compatible then there is an agreement signed. Your Doula will go over a birth wish list, which actually tell the hospital what procedures you want and do not want. Then over those last three months we get together about 4-6 times to review different procedure to help you to relax, when the contractions start. First off I don’t like to call them contradiction since this is a strong and sometime fearful word; I like to call them waves. Just as a wave begins to build, it grows higher and grows more intense; it eventually peeks. After which it then slowly withdraws, which is a healthy way to prepare for your labor; the power of visualization.

When finally labor is upon you, we meet either at your home, or at the hospital; but if you’re planning a nature birth, lets not go too early. If you go too early to the hospital and your more than 3-4 centimeters it is monitors and confinement to the bed. They will quote these are the hospital rules; and since most first time parents are not sure of what to do they just follow along. Knowing what you want and expect it, demand it if you must is the key to staying in control. I do not speak to the hospital staff, I just guide you or remind you of your wishes and desires, it is up to you and your partner to decide these matters. While a Doula is helpful for the mom, she is usually very helpful to your partner guiding him and assisting him in this very special time of both of your lives.

Some women hire a Doula just to teach them the different techniques, while others with hire a postpartum Doula, who will help with the baby, and help with minor tasks around the house, after the birth. A true Doula is there from about the 6th months of your pregnancy until about the 2nd week after the baby is born. She will come to visit you twice at home to make sure all is well.