How well do you know what a Doula does?

The best way to describe a doula would probably be as the best friend of a woman giving birth, although a doula does not only support the birth-giving woman but also the bond with her partner.

The idea is to offer holistic healthcare and support, where the doula complements the care provided by midwives and other health professionals, all of them working together as a team to support the women giving birth. Even though this profession has been gaining more and more importance since the 1980s as part of the societal movement towards natural and woman-centered birthing experiences, the profession of doula is by no means a new concept. The term 'doula' was first used in Ancient Greece, where it meant 'a woman who serves'. Today, the term could also be explained as 'one who mothers the mother'.

The doula today replaces the multigenerational home of the past. In the past, it was standard practice for a woman giving birth to be supported by other women who usually had already given birth themselves. The whole village was involved as babies were born and families grew – and if we still lived in such a multi-generational, communal way, there might be no need to hire a doula.

Other cultures also offer rituals and routines for new mothers to heal from birth and to transition into motherhood. But nowadays, as we are living in a more and more individualistic society with smaller family structures, women in the Western world often feel left alone and isolated while going through the process of becoming a mother.

Therefore, the need for doulas increases. Unlike midwives, who are healthcare providers trained to manage the medical aspects of childbirth, doulas focus primarily on the emotional and psychological well-being of the birthing person. They are a non-medical companion during childbirth, more like a friend, mother or coach, but still offer a profound knowledge of childbirth.

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However, one must consider that a doula is not a substitute for a midwife or doctor since they do not have any medical training. Also, the professional title 'doula' is not a protected term and there is no official recognition of the profession. Anyone looking for a doula must therefore check the doula's training, background and techniques.

Nevertheless, a competent doula gives a woman the confidence to express her wants and viewpoints and realise her desire for a healthy, satisfying birthing experience. They offer empowerment through personalised care, as a doula stays at the side of the birthing woman and her family throughout the whole process of the labour and if wanted, also in the subsequent process of becoming a mother. In contrast, a midwife in a hospital often has to take care of two or three birthing mothers at the same time and is therefore not able to attend to the woman’s needs at its fullest.

During pregnancy, doulas offer education on various birthing options, helping individuals make informed decisions about their labour and delivery preferences. As labour unfolds, doulas provide non-medical techniques, such as massage, breathing techniques or acupressure, easing the physical challenges of childbirth and helping with pain management.

Their unwavering emotional support contributes to a positive birthing environment, reducing stress and anxiety. In a clinical setting, they form the bridge between the woman and the healthcare professionals, helping her to understand the medical terminology and give informed consent, fostering a sense of empowerment. Doulas also support in the event of unexpected difficulties during labour and help to calm down fears and anxiety.

It is therefore hardly surprising that the presence of a doula has been shown to reduce the likelihood of a caesarean section. Postpartum doulas further offer support and instructions in newborn care and breastfeeding. Women working with a doula were found to have greater breastfeeding success, more confidence in their abilities as mothers, and lower rates of postnatal depression.

The rise of doulas aligns with a broader cultural shift towards recognising the importance of emotional well-being in healthcare. But more importantly, doulas promote a paradigm shift in childbirth experiences towards a more naturally rooted, self-determined and empowering birth experience.

Roux Magazine

Roux Magazine is made by students at the University of Luxembourg. We love their work, so we decided to team up with them and bring some of their articles to our audience as well. You can find all of their issues on Issuu.