doula vaida
What is
a doula?
Doula is a trained professional as well as a compassionate experienced woman who offers emotional and practical support before, during and shortly after childbirth.
A doula believes in “mothering the mother” - enabling a woman to have the most satisfying and empowered time that she can during pregnancy, birth and the early days as a new mum.
A doula understands the physiology and emotions of birth and stays by the woman's side all throughout labour. This type of support and reassurance also helps the whole family to relax and enjoy the experience.
Benefits of having a doula present at your birth:
-
Emotional Support: continuous support to reduce anxiety and maintain a positive mindset during labour.
-
Physical Support: non-medical pain relief techniques and comfort measures to manage discomfort.
-
Informational Support: education and advocacy, helping the birthing person make informed decisions.
-
Reduced Labour Interventions: shorter labour durations and fewer medical interventions.
-
Improved Birth Outcomes: more positive birth experience and healthier outcomes for mother and baby.
-
Support for Partners: guidance for partners in their supportive role, enhancing their involvement and confidence.
-
Postpartum Support: assistance with recovery, breastfeeding, and emotional adjustment after birth.
-
Cultural and Personal Sensitivity: respect for the cultural and personal preferences of the birthing person.
-
Continuity of Care: consistent and familiar support from pregnancy to early labour through postpartum.
-
Empowerment and Confidence: enabling the birthing person to feel confident and in control of their birthing experience.
What do I do?
As a doula, I believe that childbirth is a normal part of life, therefore everyone should feel safe, comfortable and in control when giving birth. No matter where and how you choose to do it, I am there to hold space for you so that you are empowered and secure to do what feels right for you in the moment: whether you are at home, on the labour ward, at the Birth Centre or having a Caesarean birth (I have been in all of those scenarios). As your doula, I am there to support and encourage you every step of the way and point you to the right information when you need to make a choice. I will accompany you (and your partner) through the process of preparing for birth and support you during labour, birth and bonding. I do not give medical advice nor do I undertake examinations or perform any other clinical task. I cannot make decisions for you but I can act as a spokesperson for you should you wish me to do so.
My role is to be led by you, providing the support that you may need along the way. The kind of support I give is often emotional, practical and informational, and will be offered unconditionally and without judgement. I tailor the services provided individually depending on your wishes and experience. It might be helping you navigate the NHS system; providing in-depth teaching on the physiology of labour and birth; leading breath and relaxation sessions; helping you understand and process any feelings you have around birth and parenting; aiding with writing your birth plan; lending relevant books and curated articles; sharing recommendations for local services and specialists; assisting with the shopping for the baby and packing the hospital bag; arming you with the information on caring for your newborn. The list can go on and on until you feel "all set" both in the emotional and practical sense.
I do not come between you and your partner but rather support both of you during birth. I can make suggestions for labour progress and help with relaxation, breath, positioning and other comfort measures. I needed, I guide the partner to help the birthing mother. If the labour starts at home, I will help you decide when it's the right time to go to the hospital, will travel with you and stay with you all the way through. I will help safeguard your bonding period and help with feeding your baby.
