What do doulas do?
Birth Doulas:
- provide a wide range of caring, non-clinical and highly beneficial techniques that include physical comfort measures and emotional support before, during and after the birth
- understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labour
- access helpful information for the expectant, labouring and postnatal parents to assist in their decision making
- work in cooperation with midwives and hospital staff, the partners and families of labouring and postnatal women
- facilitate communication between the labouring woman, her partner and Lead Maternity Carer
- provide an objective viewpoint as well as helping you obtain the information you need to make informed decisions
- become familiar with your expectations, hopes and concerns about the birth of your baby
- provide guidance to partners, allowing them to participate at their own comfort level
- help you and your partner create an ideal atmosphere for your birth ecperience at home or in the hospital
- recognises childbirth as a key life experience you will remember for the rest of your life.
Postnatal Doulas:
- offer education, quiet non-judghemental support and companionship during the postnatal period
- assist with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household duties
- offer evidence based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents
- provide appropriate referrals when necessary
- provide support and care for adoptive parents in the first few weeks of their new family members arrival.