Team Up with a Doula: How to Provide Complete labor Support for Mom
by Michelle Langley
Michelle is our second Inspired Doula Training Program graduate. Michelle is a mother of 3. She earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies in 2000. After attending births for the past 4 years she has found her passion offering support to women and their families as a Birth Doula.
Meet Michelle and our other Student Doulas at our next Student Doula Tea on March 31st at 5:30pm. Learn if a student doula might be right for you.
The birth of your child is a magnificent event that comes with many important decisions including who to invite into the birth experience for support during this precious time. Many couples decide that their child's birth is an intimate experience that should be shared only between a woman and her partner. Others are hesitant to welcome friends, relatives or to hire a doula because the woman's partner has concerns that he may lose his role as comforter and advocate for the mom-to-be. Many dads can relate to the feeling- they may lose their place in the birth space. However, a doula should never replace a woman's partner. The role of the birth partner should only be supported and encouraged by any doula who is invited into your baby's birth.
A doula can help you prepare for the birth of your child
When meeting with your doula before your child's birth, talk with her about your hopes for the birth experience. She can also assist you and your partner in developing a birth plan. This is a great opportunity to select a doula that you feel very comfortable with and that respects the type of birth you and your partner want for your new baby. Your doula should be supportive of the role you desire to play. She should be willing to be hands-on or be present on the sidelines to meet any needs that arise. You should feel that she is absolutely eager to support you in your role as birth partner.
What you can expect from the hospital staff
Support from your nurse and Midwife or Obstetrician is invaluable, but understand that it is not the role of continued support that some parents believe it will be when they enter into birth.
When you arrive at the hospital, you will be assigned a nurse who is also assigned to several other patients. She will check in on you periodically to monitor the baby and to make sure you have everything you need. You can also call her whenever you have a question, concern or need supplies. Many parents-to-be are under the impression that their nurse will be there with ongoing help with comfort measures and support. The attending nurse will provide caring assistance and loves this part of her job, but there may be hours between her visits to your room.
If you have hired a Midwife you may be under the impression that she will be there for uninterrupted support as well. Yet, Midwives in hospitals are scheduled much like Obstetricians. They are assisting many patients. It is possible that she will pop in to introduce herself shortly after you arrive and then appear again just before your baby is born.
A doula provides emotional support
While childbirth is an exciting and beautiful experience for a woman and her partner, it is also an experience that is unfamiliar. Even if this is not your first childbirth experience it is likely to be quite different from your last.
It is common for dads to begin to worry when they see the woman they love in labor. A doula has experienced many different births and can offer a calm presence assuring you when what is happening is completely normal. When a father sees that there is nothing to be concerned about, he has the opportunity to lovingly support his partner with peace of mind knowing that she and their baby will be fine. And in turn, she feels more confidence in the birth process.
Your doula is also available immediately if you have any concerns about things that are happening. She can remind you of the information you learned in childbirth class that you may have lost in the moment, and she can remind you of the reasons you and your partner chose the birth options that you chose.
A doula provides ideas on comfort measures
During labor it is useful to have fresh ideas on positions for the laboring mom, massage techniques, and other options that will help ease her through labor. Mom will decide many of these on her own, but occasionally she will ask for suggestions. When she is ready for help, it is not the best time to whip out your favorite birth book and start looking through the index. She will be ready for change immediately, and your doula will be right there with solutions.
In the case of massage and physical support, a doula can show you how to care for mom and then, if you wish, she will allow you to take over. On the other hand, if your partner is really enjoying a certain type of physical support and you are getting too tired to continue, your doula is there to step in.
A doula can explain your options
Birth is a mystery, and you can never be certain what situations might arise. When you are faced with decisions, your doula can help to explain your options. She will not decide for you. She is available simply to give you more information or to help you ask the right questions so that you get all the information you need to be an excellent advocate for your partner. Parents-to-be are often under the impression that there is only one choice, and that is often not the case. It is important that you understand all of your options and to know that you are in control of making those choices.
Take a Break
Along with the mystery of birth comes not knowing exactly how long it will last. Labor often lasts through several meals or even overnight. When you have the continued support of your doula, you are able to use the restroom, grab a bite to eat and even take some time to sleep knowing that the woman you love will never be alone. Being nourished and well rested benefits you and your partner, because then you can care for her when she needs you most.
As you make your decision about who you will invite to the birth of your child, remember, if you have excellent support it will result in mom feeling more calm, more confident and more empowered, and that is what is most important.
Don't Miss Out on March
Lots of new and unique offerings! Register Now!
Infant Sign Language intro and workshop
Wednesday, March 3
The Intro class is 10-11am and the workshop from 11am-1pm. Join in for the intro or BOTH. Members only $5 for the Intro class this month only!
Herbs for Kids
Wednesday, March 10, 10am-1pm
Focus on how to keep your kids healthy with herbs, how to herbally treat the common illnesses of childhood, and how to assemble your own pediatric herbal first-aid kit. With Midwife and Herbalist Mary Lou Singleton. AVOID ALLERGIES THIS YEAR! Be preapred! $30
Infant/Child CPR
Saturday, March 13, 1-3:30pm
NOW is the time to learn these life saving skills! $35
Belly Cast Painting
Saturday, March 13, 4-6pm
Dust off that Belly Cast! Pull it out of the closet and get it DONE after all those years! Join 
Juniper Drennan to create a work of art that will be an enduring reminder of this special time with your baby. All supplies provided. You bring your cast and any images or paintings that inspire you. Juniper will also provide ideas, additional inspiration and expertise to help you. $40 per cast. MEMBER PRICE: $35
UNDERSTANDING YOUR TWO TO FIVE YEAR OLD
Saturday, March 27, 6-8pm
See below for more details....
Pottytraining your Toddler
Wednesday, March 31, 11-noon
A milestone for both of you! $10
Pelvic Floor Rehab
Wednesday, March 31, noon-1pm
Many women after labor may, experience pain or incontinence of urine or stool with:
- coughing
- sneezing
- exercising
Some women may also develop:
- increased tension in pelvic floor muscles
- vaginal pain with intercourse, tampon use or tight clothing
The class focus is on:
- flexibility and strength assessment
- self manual muscle testing (can be internal or external)
- postural exercises
- internal and/or external massage
- myofascial release
- relaxation techniques and diaphragmatic breathing
- development of an individualized home exercise program
$20, MEMBER PRICE: $18
Student Doula Tea
Wednesday, March 31st, 5:30pm
Meet our student doulas and learn if a student is right for you.
