The Role of a Doula in Birth, Postpartum, and Mental Health
What is a doula?
A doula is someone who provides physical and emotional support to families during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum and helps them to be informed throughout these stages and experiences. Doulas are not doctors, midwives, or medical professionals though they do work as part of the birth team.
When most people think of doulas the image of a birth doula comes to mind. A birth doula can support families in discussing and creating birth preferences (i.e., a birth plan that will reflect the hopes and values of the birthing person, can provide comfort measures to help ease labor (i.e., touch, breathing techniques, counterpressure, etc.), and share evidence-based information to help guide families in asking questions to make informed choices about childbirth. Birth doulas work in a variety of settings including hospitals, birth centers, and home-based births.
Did you know…
Birth doulas also provide partner support. Partners can be a spouse, a friend, or a relative – anyone who would like to be involved during the birthing process. Doulas are there to assist and support the birthing person, their partner(s), and the rest of the birth team.
Many cities have programs which offer low fee or no fee doula support to women during childbirth. Often times these doulas are able to provide services in a language other than English.
Birth doulas can also provide support to those families who have experienced perinatal loss.
There are also postpartum doulas…
Similar to a birth doula, the role of a postpartum doula is to educate, nurture, and empower newly postpartum families. This includes families of origin as well as adoptive families. Postpartum doulas provide information and support on newborn feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, help parents to adjust and cope in their new roles, and support siblings’ adjustment to the new baby (or babies) in the home. Postpartum doulas may also help with light housework, run errands, and make a nutritious meal.
Postpartum doulas typically work with families, in-home, for up to 8 weeks. Some postpartum doulas work in the mornings or afternoons for a few hours each day while others work overnights.
How does a doula support mental health?
Birth and postpartum doulas may have received training that includes basic knowledge about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). These disorders include (among others) postpartum depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress. Doulas play a valuable role in screening for PMADs since they often spend many hours or weeks with parents and soon-to-be parents whereas medical professionals may only spend a few minutes. If a doula has concerns that a parent may be struggling with their mental health, they can suggest a referral to an appropriate mental health professional who specializes in these unique issues.
Should I tell my doula if I’m struggling with my mental health during pregnancy or after giving birth?
Whether or not you choose to tell your doula that you’re struggling with your mental health is a personal choice that only you can make, however, please do not suffer in silence. If you’re comfortable talking about this with your partner, relative, or trusted friend…please do! Or let your doctor, OB, midwife, etc. know! You can ask them for assistance in finding a therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health issues, or click here to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if I’d be a good fit for your needs.
With well wishes to you and your family,
