Holistic Doula is a non-clinical support person who provides emotional, physical, informative support and advocacy for the birthing person and their partner during the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum periods.
A doula is a companion present to support a laboring mother (or couple) throughout the labor. Doulas nurture and support the birthing person throughout labor and birth. Their essential role is to provide continuous labor support to the mother, no matter what decisions the mother makes or how she gives birth. Labor support is defined as the therapeutic presence of another person, in which human-to-human interaction with caring behaviors is practiced (Jordan,2013). The doula’s role and agenda are tied solely to the birthing person’s agenda. A doula can provide labor support via the four pillars of labor support; physical and emotional comfort, informational support and advocacy.
A doula is a companion present to support a laboring mother (or couple) throughout the labor. Doulas nurture and support the birthing person throughout labor and birth. Their essential role is to provide continuous labor support to the mother, no matter what decisions the mother makes or how she gives birth. Labor support is defined as the therapeutic presence of another person, in which human-to-human interaction with caring behaviors is practiced (Jordan,2013). The doula’s role and agenda are tied solely to the birthing person’s agenda. A doula can provide labor support via the four pillars of labor support; physical and emotional comfort, informational support and advocacy.
Physical support is important because it helps the birthing person maintain a sense of control, comfort, and confidence. Aspects of physical support provided by a doula may include:
Emotional support helps the birthing person feel cared for and feel a sense of pride and empowerment after birth. Doulas may provide the following types of emotional support to the birthing person and their partner:
Informational support helps keep the birthing person and their partner informed about what’s going on with the course of labor, as well as provides them with access to evidence-based information about birth options. Aspects of informational support include:
Advocacy, in this case it can be defined as, supporting a mother or couple to gain what they need from the system or supporting a person in their right to self-determination. As well as supporting the birthing person in their right to make decisions about their own body and baby.
Advocacy can take many forms, including:
"Birth is an intimate and sensitive time that can be easily disrupted. Surrounding yourself in positive support increases confidence and reduces interventions. I believe each birthing person should be given the opportunity to have an peaceful and loving experience to welcome their babe into this world." -Heather
- Soothing with touch through the use of massage, reflexology, counter pressure, or a rebozo
- Helping to create a calm environment; dimming lights, adjusting temperature and arranging curtains
- Assisting with water therapy (shower, tub)
- Applying warmth or cold
- Applying essential oils
- Assisting the birthing person in movement including; optimal positions, bathroom use, birth ball, walking, etc.
- Giving ice chips, food, and drinks
Emotional support helps the birthing person feel cared for and feel a sense of pride and empowerment after birth. Doulas may provide the following types of emotional support to the birthing person and their partner:
- Continuous presence
- Reassurance
- Encouragement
- Praise
- Helping the birthing person see themselves or their situation positively
- Keeping company
- Showing a caring attitude
- Mirroring—calmly describing what the birthing person is experiencing and echoing back the same feelings and intensity
- Helping the birthing person and partner work through fears and self-doubt
- Debriefing after the birth—listening to the mother with empathy
Informational support helps keep the birthing person and their partner informed about what’s going on with the course of labor, as well as provides them with access to evidence-based information about birth options. Aspects of informational support include:
- Guiding the birthing person and their partner through labor
- Suggesting techniques in labor, such as breathing, relaxation techniques, movement, and positioning (positioning is important both with and without epidurals)
- Helping them find evidence-based information about different options in pregnancy and childbirth
- Helping explain medical procedures before or as they occur
- Helping the partner understand what’s going on with their loved one’s labor (for example, interpreting the different sounds the birthing person makes)
Advocacy, in this case it can be defined as, supporting a mother or couple to gain what they need from the system or supporting a person in their right to self-determination. As well as supporting the birthing person in their right to make decisions about their own body and baby.
Advocacy can take many forms, including:
- Encouraging the birthing person and partner to ask questions and verbalize their preferences
- Asking the birthing person what they want
- Supporting the birthing couple’s decisions
- Amplifying the mother’s voice if she is being dismissed, ignored, or not heard, “Excuse me, she’s trying to tell you something. I wasn’t sure if you heard her or not.”
- Creating space and time for the birthing family so that they can ask questions, gather evidence-based information, and make decisions without feeling pressured
- Facilitating communication between the parents and care providers
- Teaching the birthing person and partner positive communication techniques
- If a birthing person is not aware that a provider is about to perform an intervention, the doula could point out what it appears the nurse or physician is about to do, and ask the birthing person if they have any questions about what is about to happen. For example, if it looks like the provider is about to perform an episiotomy without the person’s consent: “Dr. Smith has scissors in his hand. Do you have any questions about what he is wanting to do with the scissors?”
"Birth is an intimate and sensitive time that can be easily disrupted. Surrounding yourself in positive support increases confidence and reduces interventions. I believe each birthing person should be given the opportunity to have an peaceful and loving experience to welcome their babe into this world." -Heather
Are You ready to Birth without Fear?
Schedule a time to meet Heather.
If Heather isn't a Match for Your Perfect Birth, She will Help You Find Someone who is.
Schedule a time to meet Heather.
If Heather isn't a Match for Your Perfect Birth, She will Help You Find Someone who is.
Heather is the Mother of three adventurous and authentic kiddos. All three babies entered this world in a peaceful, calm and loving environment. Their entrances into this world were smooth, natural and non-medicated. The labor intensities were eased with relaxation techniques, natural remedies and the support of loved-ones. She was coached by her husband, and assisted by incredible midwives and doulas. She dreams of a time when all women have the support they need to birth without fear, empowered by their experience and surrounded in love. She has been supporting couples in their birth experiences and teaching childbirth education classes since 2009.