Today the World Doula Week is finished, a figure that in recent years has gained more popularity and at the same time a bit of controversy.
The most important thing about a doula is the role she represents for mothers during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, so I want to share the benefits of having one during these stages.
What is a doula?
The word doula is of Greek origin and means "woman serving another", and which is currently defined as A woman prepared to accompany and provide physical and emotional support to women during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.
Since ancient times, women have been accompanied during their pregnancies and deliveries by more experienced women who help them lead this new stage in their lives in a better way. Over time the role of the doula was disappearing or decreasing because as time progressed, the delivery passed from the house to the hospitals.
The role of the doula is mainly that of emotional accompaniment, although they also provide physical support and help. Unlike a midwife, doula has no clinical responsibilities during labor. The purpose of a doula is to help you have a more humanized birth.
Doula in pregnancy
Although most people know that doulas accompany labor, the services they offer can be from pregnancy. They can provide perinatal support and fundamental information, also helping with exercises.
In this stage the Emotional Support It is usually focused on preparing the mother mentally for childbirth, talking about her fears and explaining how things work for her to make decisions while being informed. The main idea is that in this way each woman choose how she wants to live her pregnancy and childbirth.
Doula in childbirth
The role of the doula during childbirth is to ensure that the mother has a humanized and painless birth. They accompany since the beginning of labor and are attentive to act and so that the memory of childbirth is good.
In addition to the accompaniment, the doulas help you interpret the medical explanations of your gynecologist or midwife, offer suggestions and help mothers move or change positions during childbirth to help the baby be born better. Many resort to giving aromatherapy or massages that help reduce pain.
Some doulas also prepare to be lactation consultants, helping mothers have a good start breastfeeding and support so that they have skin-to-skin contact with their baby. It is important to mention and remember that A doula cannot and should not tell you what to do, they are only there to support.
The doula in the postpartum
The postpartum stage the doulas help during the recovery of the mothers, with activities such as washing the baby's clothes, washing the dishes or helping to cook some food so that the mothers can rest and recover.
His emotional accompaniment continues, since it is in those first months with the baby when the most difficult or heavy part of becoming a mother appears. They must be Watch for signs that may indicate some kind of depression or anxiety, and provide emotional containment.
The work of a doula is not only limited to supporting the mother, but also help dad or grandparents feel part of the whole process of the arrival of a baby, solving their doubts and explaining the role of each one.
