Doulas

Doulas are women who provide emotional and physical support to pregnant and postpartum women during labor and delivery. They are not medical professionals and do not provide medical services, but they can play an important role in helping women feel comfortable and safe. They are usually experienced mothers who know how to help and what to say. Their main task is to provide emotional support, information about labor and help create a comfortable atmosphere.

These specialists accompany the woman in the maternity hospital at the woman's request, help prepare for the birth and support her in the first days after the birth. Their help is especially useful for those who want to make the birthing process safer and more comfortable.

What is the job of a doula?

The job of a Doula is to provide emotional and physical support to a woman during pregnancy, labor and postpartum.

Doulas help:

• Emotional support. They listen attentively with complicity and understanding, which helps to reduce anxiety.

• Informational Support. Doulas share knowledge about pregnancy, labor and delivery and the postpartum period.

• Physical assistance. This may include massage, help with breathing, or changing your posture.

• Partner support. Doulas help to support the partner to feel involved and ready.

• Preparation. Discussing expectations and plans for labor in advance.

The main goal of a Doula is to create a comfortable and safe birthing environment.

What is included in the services of a Doula?

Doula services can vary depending on the needs of the family and the qualifications of the Doula herself, but typically include:

• Counseling. Providing information on pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.

• Emotional support. Help to reduce stress and anxiety, discuss fears and expectations.

• Physical support during labor and delivery:

• Massage and relaxation techniques.

• Help with changing positions (for example, during contractions).

• A reminder of breathing techniques.

• Partner support. Helping to involve the partner in the process, explaining how they can help.

• Postpartum support. Help in learning how to care for the newborn and support the mother in her recovery.

• Birth planning. Joint creation of a birth plan taking into account the wishes and preferences of the family.

Doulas focus on creating a comfortable and safe environment for a woman and her family during an important period!

What is the difference between a Doula and a midwife?

The Doula and midwife have different but complementary roles in pregnancy and childbirth. The main differences include:

• Education and licensing:

• Midwife. She is medically trained and licensed to provide medical services, including maternal and infant monitoring and deliver babies.

• Doula. She is not a medical professional and is not licensed to provide medical services. She provides emotional and physical support.

• Role and Responsibilities:

• Midwife. Responsible for medical safety, assists in the delivery of the baby and may intervene in emergencies.

• Doula. The main task is to support the family on an emotional and physical level. The Doula does not interfere with the medical process, but helps to create a comfortable atmosphere.

• Approach to childbirth.

• Midwife. Participates in the provision of health care and is used in maternity hospitals or maternity clinics.

• Doula. Often works as an additional support person who can be with the woman at home or in the hospital, providing support regardless of the place of delivery.

Both roles are important and can work together to ensure a positive birth experience for the mother and family!

What doesn't a doula do?

Doulas do not perform certain functions that fall within the medical field.

Basic things a doula doesn't do:

• Medical Procedures. A Doula does not deliver babies, make medical decisions or perform medical procedures.

• Diagnosis. It does not evaluate the mother's or child's health, make diagnoses, or monitor medical conditions.

• Treatment. A Doula does not prescribe medication or provide medical treatment.

• Substitute midwife. She cannot substitute for a midwife or a physician and does not perform medically responsible functions.

• Decisions in emergency situations. A Doula does not make decisions in medical emergencies and does not interfere with the medical process.

Instead, the Doula focuses on emotional and physical support, providing knowledge and assistance in creating a comfortable atmosphere.

What does a doula need to know?

It is important for a Doula to have certain knowledge and skills to effectively support a woman and her family during pregnancy, labor and postpartum. Here is what a Doula should know:

• Anatomy and Physiology. Basic aspects of the anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and labor, including the stages of labor.

• Emotional Support. Support techniques to help you cope with anxiety, fears and stress.

• Methods of pain relief. Various relaxation techniques, massages and breathing exercises.

• Childbirth planning. How to help the family create and implement a birth plan, taking into account their preferences and wishes.

• Information Resources. Knowledge of available resources, books and materials on pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care.

• Postpartum support. Newborn care, support for the mother in the postpartum period, including specifics of emotional recovery.

• Teamwork. Ability to interact with medical staff, respecting their roles, and liaise between the woman and the midwife.

• Cultural differences. Awareness of cultural differences and traditions that can affect pregnancy and childbirth.

This knowledge helps the Doula to be a helpful support and create a positive experience for the mother and her family!

Does a Doula need a medical degree?

A Doula does not have to have a medical background. Although our cooperating Doulas have a medical background (e.g. in medicine, psychology or social work), this is not a requirement for their work, but is an added advantage.

Nevertheless, Doulas should:

• Understand the physiology of birth. The basic processes of labor and pregnancy.

• Learn support techniques. Participate in courses and obtain certification to know how to provide emotional and physical support.

• Know the boundaries of their role. Understand that they cannot perform medical procedures and are not medically responsible.

It is important for the Doula to be able to clearly distinguish between her responsibilities and those of the medical staff in order to make the pregnancy and birth process as comfortable and safe as possible for the woman and her family!

What is the best certification for a Doula?

There are several reputable organizations that offer certification for doulas. None of them are "the best" as the choice depends on your goals, preferences, and location.

Several prominent organizations:

• DONA International. One of the largest and most widespread organizations offering training and certification for doulas, with a focus on supporting women during childbirth.

• CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association). Offers certification programs for doulas, including postpartum and specialized courses.

• ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association). It is an organization focused on educating and supporting women during pregnancy and childbirth and offers courses and certification for doulas.

• SBDI (Stillbirthday Doula International). Specializes in training for doulas working with families in cases of pregnancy loss or newborn loss, which can be an important specialty.

• Maternity Wise. Offers a variety of programs, including courses to support women in childbirth and the postpartum period.

It is important to research each organization's programs, learn about their approaches and methods to choose the one that best fits your values and goals!

Doula's who partner with BabyinBrazil have been certified with several reputable organizations that offer certification for doulas.

• Doulas do Brasil. This organization offers training and certification, focusing on supporting women during pregnancy and childbirth.

• Mãe e Matriz. Provides courses and certification for doulas, emphasizing a holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth.

• Parto Sem Medo. A program that educates doulas on natural childbirth and supports women's awareness.

• Doula Brasil. Trains doulas through courses focusing on emotional and physical support for women during pregnancy and childbirth.

When choosing a certification specialist, it is important to look at the programs they have completed: training, community support, and emphasis on evidence-based approaches.

What can and cannot be discussed with a doula?

There are many topics to discuss with a doula, but there are boundaries to consider.

What you can discuss with a doula:

• Expectations for childbirth. Discussion of desired experiences, birthing preferences and plans.

• Emotional state. Share your fears, worries and hopes.

• Pain Relief Techniques. Talking about the different techniques you are interested in and how a Doula can help you.

• Information Resources. Questions about textbooks, courses, and other resources on pregnancy and childbirth.

• Support after childbirth. How to get help in the first weeks after the birth of your baby.

• Cultural and religious practices. If you have special traditions, discuss them with your Doula.

What not to discuss with a doula:

• Medical diagnoses and procedures. Questions about medical problems that should only be discussed with a doctor or midwife.

• Unreasonable anxieties. Excessive fears based on untrue information that can create an unhealthy atmosphere.

• Discussion of other health professionals. Avoid criticizing doctors and midwives to maintain a positive atmosphere.

• Personal Financial Matters. It may not be appropriate to discuss financial aspects related to health care.

• Negative personal stories. Excessive negative stories about previous births can increase anxiety.

It is important to maintain open and trusting communication, but also to be mindful of boundaries and respect for the professional role of the Doula.

Advantages of Brazil's prenatal care compared to other countries

• Cultural characteristics. In Brazil, the role of doulas is often more integrated into the birthing system and their services may be more widespread. In Russia, this area is just developing, and information about doulas is not yet widely available. In our maternity hospitals, doulas are flexible in their approach, taking into account local traditions and peculiarities.

• Approach to childbirth. In Brazil, the emphasis is on natural childbirth and respect for the woman's choice, which is also noted in the work of the doulas. Here it is strict, and in Russia the approach can vary depending on medical institutions and traditions.

• Education and training. In Florianópolis, training for Doulas is more formalized and follows strict programs. In Russia, standards and training can be different and vary from one Doula to another. Therefore, in Russia, even with money, it is possible to fall for an incompetent specialist.

• Multilingualism. In large cities of Brazil and in Florianópolis (port. Florianópolis - city in Brazil, capital of the state of Santa Catarina) there are many doilies speaking different languages, including Russian, which is useful for foreign women.

• Strong community support. In Florianópolis we have a community with classes, support and discussions that can be helpful for mothers.

• Flexible approaches to childbirth. Our Doulas often work closely with midwives and are able to tailor their services to women's preferences, offering a variety of approaches to childbirth.

• Legislation. In Brazil, the role of the Doula is more legally formalized, while in Russia this sphere still needs to be developed and standardized.

• Respect. In Brazil, doulas are very respected and listened to in medical circles, their opinion can influence a lot in the birthing process, while in Russia doulas are not yet fully understood and do not like their presence at childbirth.

Many women in labor have reported that they have been well served by their Doulas. We have a special status for our Doulas, the ones who have shown themselves to be the best to our clients, so we can recommend them to you as well.

Services that Doulas can provide

Foreign birth attendants primarily noted the necessary services they received from the doulas they liked.

• Support during pregnancy. Help in preparing for childbirth, advice on self-care and preparing for the baby.

• Labor support. Physical and emotional support during labor. This includes massage, aromatherapy, homeopathy, breathing techniques and assistance in finding a comfortable position, as well as services as an interpreter and experienced counselor.

• Postnatal support. Support and advice on breastfeeding, caring for the newborn, and help in adjusting to your new role as a mother.

• Education and Information. Teaching women and their partners relaxation, breathing, and other techniques to assist in childbirth.

• Emotional support. Discussion of feelings and experiences related to pregnancy and motherhood, dispelled fears and full support and understanding.

Thus, our Doulas can play an important role in supporting women during pregnancy and childbirth, they offer unique opportunities and are culturally sensitive.

Of course, it is impossible to describe everything in one article, so if you have any questions on this topic or need help, you can feel free to ask them in our feedback form (link to the form, or form below) or on WhatsApp (contact number) and our consultant will answer any of your questions.

Moreover, all our consultations are free of charge and do not oblige you to anything. Once you have all the answers to your questions, you can continue to explore and search for the most suitable option for you.