Hiring a birth doula - what's in it for you?

I recently had to write an essay entitled "The Purpose and Value of Labor Support", here is a version edited for Minti!

As doulas become more visible in mainstream birth culture it is always a challenge to describe our work in lay(wo)man’s terms. When I started

out as a doula I had a carefully crafted definition that I proudly recited verbatim. Over time I realized that the glazed expression that usually ensued was a sign that my tidy definition didn’t spark any interest or even clearly describe the role of a doula. The ten second sound bite that I use now is: “I pamper the pregnant mommy during labor and show her partner tricks to help her have a shorter, easier birth.” I love seeing her eyes light up as she pictures in her mind what that would be like for her. In discussing the purpose and value of labor support it is easy to focus on historical roles of women in labor, research statistics or look at it from a “bird’s eye” view. I believe the most valuable perspectives are the mother’s & the partner’s. I call this the “What’s in it for me?” approach.

What’s in it for the mother?

• My doula is available to answer questions and encourage me before labor begins.
• My doula has taken the time to evaluate our birth plan and will make our wishes her number one priority.
• My doula will be by our side from the moment we think we need her until after the baby is born, no matter who else may come and go.
• My doula knows a variety of breathing, massage and positioning techniques that I can use to help deal with my contractions.
• My doula brings a bag of labor supplies with her and has experience with what tends to be the most helpful.
• My doula will be there to reassure and encourage us during labor.
• My doula can act as a sounding board and facilitate communication with my care providers in case of unexpected events.
• My doula doesn’t perform any medical tasks so she can direct her entire focus towards meeting our emotional needs during labor.
• My doula can help me get breastfeeding off to a great start.
• My doula is someone I can turn to for advice and help during postpartum recovery.

What’s in it for the partner?

• Our doula takes the time to build a relationship with us before the birth so we will feel comfortable with her.
• Our doula helps me understand the normal progress of labor and explains variations clearly.
• Our doula has an objective point of view that I can rely on during labor when I am overwhelmed.
• Our doula shows me how I can support my labor partner during contractions.
• Our doula reminds me to take care of myself during labor, like letting me take a break to rest and eat.
• Our doula encourages my full involvement in the labor process; we work as a team.
• Our doula helps me to advocate for our birth plan and communicate with our care providers.
• Our doula is there in case of an adverse outcome so that I can go with the baby and know my partner still has emotional support.

In conclusion, I would like to add that I think the role and value of a birth doula is open ended. It cannot be fully defined because each laboring couple’s needs will be unique. A birth doula should walk into the birth place with an open mind, open hands and an open heart. She should approach each birth as a clean slate and facilitate the couple’s ability to create their own birth experience as it unfolds. In short, a doula cannot define herself; she is defined by the couple that invites her to share in the birth of their child.