What is a Doula and What do they do?

Ok so I'm fairly new to the term "Doula" I realise they are someone who comes into the birthing room with you and supports you through your birthing plan.

But apart from that, what else do they do? What if you dont have a plan?

I'm thinking about having a Doula for my 2nd birth, someone to be there with myself and my mother. My DP is unlikely to attend.

Thing is, I dont have a plan as such... I plan to go with the flow and use whatever I feel is necessary to ensure the safe delivery of my child.

Also is there anyone who will attend a birth at KEMH in Perth? I like the idea of helping a student Doula, as I'll have my mum there anyway.

I feel so stupid asking....

Hi Sally, good questions, not silly! You have some fine doulas to choose from out there in Perth.

No you don't need to have a birth plan, and 'go with the flow' is as good a plan as any. You just want to be careful to choose a birth location and care-providers who will understand and support *your* flow. To set up the right environment for YOU and then go with the flow is a great plan.

It's great that your mum will be present and you may find the doula is a wonderful support to her as well as yourself. One of the jobs of a doula is to help the woman's loved ones feel confident in their role, encourage them that they're doing the right things and provide guidance if necessary, so they can be as hands-on and involved as they would like to be (and as you'd like them to be).

When you hire a doula, she is 'at your service' so she will do whatever you wish, that is helpful to you, to support your labour and your birth preferences.

Your doula meets with your before your birth to talk about your wishes and help you prepare the best you can. During these visits you can make sure she understands what's important to you and build a good rapport with her.

Also afterwards it's nice to have a doula, she usually comes to visit you a couple of times after the birth and it can be nice to have someone to talk to, de-brief with and who can lend a hand practically if you want. Or just give you a nice post-natal massage!

Here are some of the things doulas may do during the labour and birth:
* organize food and drink for you & your team
* make labour-ade or birthing tea for you
* prepare the birth pool
* keep the water the right temperature
* set up a 'labour circuit' for you around your house, where you can walk in between contractions, with 'contraction station' - comfy places where you can ride out contractions
* provide massage when and where you need it
* assist you to use your breath to deeply relax and let go of tension in key areas
* provide constant encouragement and TLC
* organize whatever music or aromatherapy you'd like
* make sure your partner & loved ones get food, drink and rest
* help you shower, keep the clean towels coming
* provide heat packs if you find those helpful
* offer drink through a bendy-straw in between contractions
* remind you to pee often
* encourage you to keep mobile and active when appropriate
* keep the lighting dim and support a quiet, private environment for you
* reassure your partner and loved ones
* assist you with the rebozo (mexican shawl) which can be helpful and comforting during labour
* travel with you if/when you transfer to hospital, helping you feel comforted and supported during the care journey
* makes sure you have a bowl/bucket, towels, tissues, drink, enough pillows etc in the car to make the trip as comfy as possible
* help you set up your birth nest at the hospital, e.g. birth mat, birth ball, extra pillows, your own doona from home, own music, soften the lighting etc
* suggests strategies to enhance and support the progress of your labour & avoid unwanted/unnecessary intervention, such as changes of position, encouraging you to go with your body, breathing, relaxation, and sometimes techniques such as the Sit Bone Spread, Hip Lift, Hip Squeeze etc
* helps you blow or pant if necessary to allow the crowning to be gentle and gradual, to avoid tearing - mostly just encouraging you to listen to your body, take your time, and trust yourself - helping you tune into your body
* runs you a bath afterwards
* takes photos for a photographic record of your labour & birth if you desire
* tells you, every step of the way, that you are amazing and you are doing an awesome job
* at a home birth, tidy up afterwards, put the laundry on, run you a lovely herbal bath, and prepare your bed for you and babe to cuddle up in.
* provide support and encouragement for your preferences for third stage and breastfeeding, such as skin-to-skin and breast crawl.

Every doula has their own special style, but the main thing is that you are hiring her, so you get to ask whatever you need from her and she will do her best to support you in the way that you need.

All the best!

go and read the current thread called "bumblebee's grand entrance".

Kimbaz just had her bub last week, using a doula, and she explains during her birth story, how her doula supported her.

Speak to Lisa Chalmers at Australian Doulas in Perth, she's awesome, gorgeous person.

Thanks for the replies :D

I have read Bumblebees enterance (Kim is a friend)

I do have another question, I'm a high-risk of having another prem. Does that change anything? I mean if things were to go that way again (I hope not, but also have to think about these things) to put it bluntly, it's not the easiest thing to watch. I'm not sure if I like the idea of bringing someone else into that situation of witnessing a premmie birth.

I dont know, I cant really get what I think out there....

Kelly, do you have a contact number for them please?

Thanks heaps.

A doula would support you no matter what but you'd have to talk to her and determine oncall times etc and ensure shes ok to be available if labour is early. Most would be.

If you are worried about the doula and her feelings on viewing the birth, you would be surprised at what most seasoned doulas have seen. If anything Id imagine she'd feel extremely grateful for being there for you.

Australian Doulas : Perth, Western Australia