Tummy to Mummy - Labour and Pregnancy Support

HOW DOES THE DOULA’S ROLE DIFFER TO THAT OF A MIDWIFE OR DOCTOR?

A doula’s role differs to that of a midwife or doctor as doulas DO NOT provide medical, nursing or midwifery care nor do they comment on, interpret or judge this care. A doula is employed privately by the clients and is not subject to shift changes which means your doula will remain with you during your entire labour.

A doula will get to know the woman, her family, her needs and desires through her pregnancy and is a familiar face. I will meet with the woman and her partner regularly in the comfort of their own home to hear how they are feeling, how their doctors appointments are going, how their prenatal classes are going and to discuss any fears and concerns.

WILL A DOULA MAKE MY PARTNER FEEL LESS INVOLVED?

A doula ensures that the mother, partner or any other support people feel involved throughout the pregnancy, labour and after the baby is born. I can show support people massage techniques to assist with pain or encourage more active involvement by suggesting ways to the support people to help the labouring woman feel more comfortable.

It is important that through the visits your doula and support people also form a relationship to encourage openness and good communication so that everyone’s roles are clearly defined prior to the labour.

Studies have shown that partners felt more enthusiastic about the labour with the help from a doula.

WILL A DOULA BE ABLE TO GIVE MEDICAL ADVICE?

A doula is not able to offer medical advice. In the case of a woman asking medical questions or seeking assistance outside of my role, I will always suggest for her to seek help from her care-giver as a doula has no clinical responsibility whatsoever. However, a doula is able to offer evidence based information listing the positives and negatives of medical procedures, labour positions or parenting options etc.

DO I NEED A DOULA IF I HAVE SUPPORT PEOPLE AT THE LABOUR?

A doula is able to not only provide support to the labouring woman but to be a support to her support people. A doula can reassure and comfort support people and can remind partners, mothers, friends or sisters to take regular rest breaks, to keep hydrated or that everything during the labour is progressing well. Labouring women can relax more during their labour knowing that their support people are being looked after.

A doula can also take photos of those precious moments when support people are busy welcoming the new baby leaving everyone free to enjoy the experience.

As a doula is not emotionally involved, she is able to remain calm and level headed and can become a rock for the labouring woman and her support people allowing everyone to have the best experience possible.

DO I STILL NEED A DOULA IF I HAVE A MIDWIFE OR DOCTOR?

A doula brings emotional and physical support that midwives often don’t have the time to provide due to taking care of yours and your baby’s clinical needs. A doula is able to be your birth executive assistant and is there to only serve you. A doula can massage you for however long you need, can arrange meals for your support person, can remind you of your birth intentions and positions you wanted to try and can take photos of those first precious moments whilst you enjoy family time. A doula is adaptable to her clients and will do whatever she can to help her client view the labour and birth as a positive experience.

I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO HAVE DOULA SUPPORT BUT CAN’T AFFORD TO, WHAT OPTIONS ARE THERE FOR ME?

I firmly believe that extra support should be available to all women and their families and I am willing to negotiate my fees in order for women to have the support they need.

Another option is to employ a student doula. Student doulas are free of charge and still come with a wealth of information and eagerness to support their clients. Contact me to request a list of student doulas in South Australia.

WHEN SHOULD I BOOK A DOULA THROUGH MY PREGNANCY?

It is ideal to contact a doula as soon as you find out your pregnant or have decided that doula support is for you as most doulas (including me) only tend to take on one to two births a month in order to provide the best support.

WHAT IF I CHOOSE TO HAVE DRUGS SUCH AS AN EPIDURAL?

As your doula, I will stand by your side and support you with any decision you make. If you have an epidural, I can do things such as massage your legs to keep a constant flow of blood to prevent clotting and be there for you as an emotional support.

WHAT IF I HAVE A CAESAREAN?

Despite the type of birth you have - I will support you. I can help you prepare for surgery, look after your partner and help you view your birth as a positive experience. I can work with the hospital staff to help you have skin to skin contact with your baby as soon as possible after the birth.

HOW FAR DO YOU TRAVEL?

I am happy to travel one hours drive from the Barossa before incurring a travel fee. To discuss if this is applicable to your area please contact me.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO “INTERVIEW” A DOULA PRIOR TO BOOKING ONE?

Just as each woman is special and unique, so is each doula. It’s important you find a doula that you “click” with and feel comfortable with to achieve the best experience. It’s also handy before the interview, to write out some questions for the doula so you can get to know her better and make a more informed choice.

WHAT DOES “VISIT OUTLINES ARE CUSTOM DESIGNED TO YOUR NEEDS” MEAN?

I spend time prior to meeting with clients to put together visit outlines suited to your needs, wants and interests. For instance, if you wanted to know the positives and negatives of an epidural, I would bring evidence based information which will help you make an informed choice.

I AM USUALLY A PRIVATE PERSON;
WILL HAVING A DOULA MAKE THE BIRTHING ROOM TOO CRAMPED?

As a doula, it is my role to make you feel as comfortable as possible and maintain your level of privacy throughout your labour. I can be as hands on or hands off as you would like and I am adaptable to how you are feeling at the time. Throughout the prenatal visits, I learn what you like and dislike and if I can see that you need some space or you tell me, I can leave the room and return when you need me.

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