A Day in the Life of a Doula: part 1
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Being asked to be the birth doula at a client’s birth is a huge priviledge and one we do not take lightly. Once we have made that mutual commitment, we work hard to make sure the expectant family are as supported, informed and nurtured as they need.
What is a birth doula?
A birth doula is someone who is there to offer you emotional and physical support and encouragement throughout your labour, to enable you to focus on the job of birthing your baby. And who is also there for you after the birth of your baby, for as little or as much as you want.
Charlotte recently was birth doula for clients and she shares some of what she does during an average birth doula day…
Being in constant contact with the expectant family is key and when mama thinks things are moving along, the doula is called in and the birth ball gets rolling….
Arriving at the hospital…
Charlotte gets to the hospital and goes to work on supporting the mama and the partner too! This may look like encouraging mama to spend time on the birthing ball, talking with midwives about the birth plan, or even going and putting more coins in the car parking meter!
A birth doula is with the expectant couple for the duration of the labour and is there solely for them and their needs.
We believe that the majority of women are able and capable of birthing their baby without the need of additional medical support. However, in order to achieve this, they need to feel well supported by their birthing partners, so that they can relax, let go, trust in their body and their instincts, and feel safe. Having people around them who they already know and have built a trusting relationship with, who know their hopes, fears and needs, and who will act as an advocate for them if necessary, can go a long way to enabling women to feel confident to birth their baby in the way that is right for them.
