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The Purpose and Value of Labour Support A doula can provide a holistic type of care to the labouring mother and her partner. She rounds out the necessary care given by the medical staff attending her. Doula support has much value for the mother and whoever else may be with her during this crucial time. Recent studies indicate that when doulas attend birth there are better outcomes for both babies and mothers. labours are shorter and have fewer complications. There is less need for medications and other interventions, such as augmentation, forceps, epidurals and caesarean sections. Healthier babies are born and better breastfeeding relationships are created. Also, no matter what the outcome of the labour and birth experience women have expressed greater satisfaction with their experiences, even if it's not exactly what they wanted. By also providing emotional reassurance she has the ability to help the mother and partner get over the possible low points of labour where she feels like she just can't go on. The partner or other labour coach may not know what is happening or what to do next due to their emotional connection with the mother. The doula is able to be objective in her appraisal of the situation, thereby providing emotional reassurance. The purpose behind labour support is to provide physical, emotional and informational
support to the mother and significant others. It is important to provide continual support, because studies have
shown that when a woman is supported continually, the level of trust is increased, compared to the changing support
of medical staff on a typical hospital obstetrical ward. This trust is created prior to labour when possible so
that the doula can become familiar with the mother and her partner and what they want from their birth experience. She can help them make informed decisions, discuss the various options of interventions during labour - including the risks and benefits and ultimately help them achieve the desired end. Because of the training a doula receives, during labour she is able and equipped to provide information to aid decision making, help the partners assist at their comfort level, provide added physical support, as well as suggestions for natural pain relief during labour. These suggestions might include things like breathing, relaxation, changing positions and movement. This way, the doula can enhance the experience of childbirth by assisting the mother or couple to achieve what they want to see happen in their birthing experience. Another aspect of professional labour support in the form of the doula is that she is able to meet the mother on an emotional level that is necessary. When the labouring mother is happy and excited - the doula knows intuitively to be happy and excited with her. But when things get tense or difficult, the doula is able to help the mother and the partner stay focussed by remaining calm and confident. Studies have also shown that when positive energy and actions surround the labouring mother, it is passed on to her. A husband or partner or significant other is more emotionally connected to a labouring mother and sometimes is unable to properly assess a situation and stay calm. A doula works with all present providing the necessary reassurance. A doula's responsibilities include providing the emotional and informational support, facilitating communication between the mother, her partner and the health care providers, as well as physical support in terms of comfort measures. Her responsibilites do not include any medical procedures, such as inserting IV's, vaginal examinations or checking fetal heart tones. This is very important to communicate to potential clients so that they are fully aware that a doula's role is limited to its scope of practice as described above. This prevents confusion! A doula helps the mother have a safe and satisfying experience.
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