Now, I haven’t had much experience with doulas. While pregnant with my first son, I attended childbirth classes where the teacher was a doula. Back then, parenting was such a new concept, and my views were very um, inexperienced. I had “rules”, such as: Co-sleeping was for suckers. Cloth diapers: Ew! Nursing: only because we’re cheap. Epidurals: can I get one in the 8th month and just keep that drip going, just in case? So I found that particular doula’s recommendation of birth plans, aromatherapy and focal points a little…hippy-dippy.
Flash forward 5 years or so, and I’m a little more educated, experienced, and accepting of new concepts and ideas, especially as how they relate to having a more connected and positive parenting experience. A doula seems like a wonderful source of support and information on how to fully experience a pregnancy. But, what does a doula really… do?
Tracy Armstrong is a local mom of two, and a doula with her own business, Best Beginnings. I met Tracy as a fellow mom while on mat leave with my first son. Tracy is a very kind person, and I definitely wouldn’t describe her as hippy-dippy – she’s down to earth and caring person with tons of great information. I haven’t had personal experience with a doula, so I thought I’d ask her some questions that I know many of my own friends have voiced.
Tracy tells me that primarily, the doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support for the family of an expectant mother. 
During the pregnancy, the doula meets with the parents to discuss birth preferences and concerns and provides advice on creating a birth plan. During labour, Tracy described the doula’s function as “mothering the mother”. (Sounds pretty good to me.) This is achieved through encouragement, massage, and other comfort measures. Tracy stays with the mom until she is comfortable following the birth. She can provide advice and practical suggestions to spouse/family members on their role in the delivery.
Postpartum, the doula is available to provide breastfeeding support along with other adjustments that come along with the new baby. She is a ready resource for all your newborn questions about those funny little creatures. Wouldn’t it be great to have someone familiar to lean on with a newborn, instead of the random nurse that shows up the following week? (I’ve had both good – and less than good PH nurses.) A familiar face will also be more likely to tell if you are truly doing well. I’ve also since heard that some nurses don’t do home visits for the second or third child, which is really shocking!
Doulas are a lot more mainstream than you may imagine. They’re not just there for those who want to deliver in a pool of water at home
(which, honestly, was my former view). Even if you’ve had or are required to have a C-section, a doula can provide an invaluable service. As Tracy says, “Just having someone present who has attended births and knows about various procedures can make for a calmer and more positive experience.” I’d tend to agree as I’ve had two C-sections, and in my second, even though both my husband and I had been there, done that, it was a clinical and somewhat intimidating experience that I’m sure could have been improved. Additionally, the post-partum support would have been extremely helpful.
So what’s the difference between a midwife and a doula? A doula does not have any specific medical training, however, they do have an extensive knowledge base about pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Any chance of “too many cooks in the kitchen” syndrome? How do doctors feel about doulas, anyway? Tracy says that most care providers appreciate and respect the knowledge and continuous support provided by the doula. The mothers are more educated about situations and interventions surrounding the birth experience.
I wish I had known more about all the options available when I was pregnant the first time, and I wish I’d known that even the second time around is a new experience. Tracy will provide a free consultation, so if you’re even the least bit curious about the services and care of a doula, please contact her.
Tracy is also offering prenatal classes at the YMCA this fall. As I mentioned, I took childbirth classes while pregnant with my first son, and I highly recommend them to everyone. The content is something you just can’t learn from a book, and it also allows you to connect with other expecting moms and share your experiences.
Have you used a doula’s services? Tell us about your experience!
