The role of the doula for pregnant women may still be unknown to many people. In fact, doulas have an important role in supporting and assisting pregnant women, before, during, and even after giving birth.
It is undeniable that the role of the doula in Indonesia began to emerge when artists began to use the services of a doula in their delivery process. Doulas are professionals who are able to provide emotional, physical support, and provide the information needed during pregnancy, childbirth, until the baby is born.
This is the role of a doula for pregnant women
Taken from the Greek, doula means literally "servant". Now doulas are more popular as professional companions for pregnant women in the process of giving birth, to undergoing preparations to become parents.
Doulas differ from midwives in that they cannot provide assistance in the form of medical treatment. Even so, a doula has broad and in-depth knowledge about various things related to childbirth. The doula's role in helping pregnant women include:
1. Helping pregnant women face the labor process
Towards the delivery process, the doula will carry out a process of self and character recognition to foster good cooperation with pregnant women. The doula will also try to identify the conditions of pregnancy and the needs of pregnant women well.
At this time, pregnant women can dig up a lot of information from a doula. Starting from the stages of delivery, the actions that need to be taken to facilitate delivery, to the various possible complications and their handling. This is useful for helping pregnant women to be more prepared, as well as reducing the worries that they may feel ahead of the delivery process.
2. Reduce stress during labor
During labor, doulas usually provide touch and massage to pregnant women. Getting a massage during labor is beneficial for triggering the body's natural oxytocin production, thereby reducing stress and anxiety. This will make the body of pregnant women feel more comfortable.
During labor, the doula will also help pregnant women perform proper breathing techniques to reduce pain during labor. Thus, pregnant women are expected to give birth more easily and comfortably.
3. Help speed up the labor process
Excessive stress experienced by pregnant women during the delivery process can inhibit the production of oxytocin, thereby interfering with contractions. Therefore, the role of the doula in helping pregnant women cope with stress and feel more comfortable during childbirth can help the labor process go faster.
4. Provide assistance during the breastfeeding process
After the baby is born, a doula will help the new mother to start the breastfeeding process. The doula will give praise and support to the mother who has just fought life and death to give birth to her baby.
The doula will also answer any questions about the breastfeeding process and help remind the mother to do things that may be needed during the breastfeeding process. Not only that, the doula will also help the mother and other family members to quickly bond with the newborn.
Things You Should Look For Before Using Doula Services
If pregnant women decide to use the services of a doula, it is advisable to first ask the doula the following questions:
- What training have you received?
- What services are provided?
- What information do doulas know about labor?
- How much does it cost?
- What convinced him to become a doula?
- Is the doula willing to take the time to discuss the birth process?
- Is the doula willing to accompany until the time of delivery arrives?
- What will the doula do if she doesn't show up for labor?
The various questions above can help pregnant women to get an idea of the characteristics of the doula who will later become pregnant women's professional companions.
In addition to asking the doula some of the questions above, pregnant women also ask for information from family or friends who have used doulas before. Also make sure the doula can make pregnant women feel more comfortable before, during, and after the delivery process.
Although doulas have many and important roles for pregnant women, the role of obstetricians and families in providing support cannot be replaced.
