Doulas with a difference!

The term doula was first associated with childbirth back in the late 1960’s & it remains the connection that most people make when they hear the word, but over recent years, the doula world has grown!

Doula, comes from a Greek word, meaning ‘Devoted servant or caregiver’.

Historically, the Doula would provide kindness & care to the family they were serving. This remains the heart of the role of the doula in the 21st century!

Here are some examples of how doulas are sharing some kindness & care in different communities.

Birth Doulas-  are trained to work alongside the medical teams & provide continuous support to expectant couples during labour and birth, in the form of emotional, physical and informational support throughout the process.

Emotional support during labour often consists of reassurance and encouragement for both the labouring person and their partner, help maintaining a positive attitude, keeping the couple company when the medical care providers aren't around, and always caring about how the couple is feeling.  

Physical support can be help with implementing hands-on comfort measures like massage, counterpressure, or hot and cold compresses, also giving the partner breaks for food, comfort breaks and sleep if appropriate, and assisting  them both in staying well-nourished and hydrated.  Informational support is often providing resources for specific topics and needs, encouragement in making informed decisions, and explaining common medical procedures.

There have been numerous studies & clinical trials, and the evidence supports the use of doulas as there are consistent positive effects for all the families, and there are no known risks or side effects.  

Sarah has attended over 80 births within the West Oxfordshire area.

Postnatal Doulas-  are trained to provide support & care for the new families in the months after birth. They provide evidence-based information on infant feeding, sleeping, as well as recovery tips and care for the new mother.  They can also provide practical support, assisting with light housekeeping and meal preparation or with caring for older siblings.  In short, they can do almost anything to help the whole family transition into having a new baby around, whether it's the first or the fifth!  

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Doulas- Also called bereavement doulas.

Pregnancy loss is very common, affecting up to 1 in 3 women at least once by some estimates.  Loss at any stage of pregnancy is very painful, and these doulas are trained to provide specific emotional support.  They also provide practical & informational support to families going through the grieving process.

*Full Spectrum or Life Doulas- This is a broad term with different definitions by different people and organizations.  A full spectrum or Life doula brings the doula model of care to people requiring some kindness & care at any age or stage of the  journey of life.

This can include; vulnerable or elderly people needing support in their own homes, those living with chronic health conditions & disabilities, anyone recovering from an unexpected accident, surgery or medical treatment.

End of life or Doulas for the dying- provide emotional, spiritual, physical & practical support to individuals & families at an intensely personal and crucial time. They work alongside the medical teams & assist people in finding meaning, creating a legacy project, and planning for how the last days of this life will unfold. They also provide informational support to families going through the grieving process.

*I ( Charlotte!) also run a local Life Doula care agency called Changing Seasons. We work with a number of clients providing physical, emotional & practical support and care in their own homes. If you’re interested about finding out more about these services, then you can contact me on 07920774705*

Charlotte, runs Changing Seasons, a Life Doula agency