Birth doulas - what do they do?

A doula is a non-medical companion who can help support you and your family, before, during and after childbirth. A doula who works with you after you give birth is known as a postpartum doula.

A doula can support you both physically and emotionally. They give constant support, encouragement, and guidance. Doulas also help you understand what to expect, make birth plans, and help you communicate with your doctors and midwives.

If you have a birth support partner, your doula won't replace them during labour and birth. Rather they can work with your partner to support you. Some people have found that having a doula has helped strengthen their relationship with their partner.

A doula's role is to focus on your needs and provide ongoing support from pregnancy until after your baby is born. Doulas can increase your satisfaction, safety and wellbeing while promoting positive birth and postpartum outcomes.

If you have moved to Australia from another country or if you prefer a language other than English, it can be helpful to have a doula who shares your cultural background and preferred language.

Your doula may give you information to help you prepare for labour and birth. They will get to know you and help you make a birth plan.

There are many ways your doula might support you during labour and birth.

Your doula may:

• reassure and motivate you, boosting your self-confidence
• keep you informed about how your labour is progressing
• help you find a more comfortable position and support you when getting in and out of the shower or bath
• help you manage labour pain through positional changes, stretches and massage
• help with breathing techniques
• offer you drinks or ice
• support your partner

Your doula may help you get to know your baby in the postnatal phase. Some doulas may also visit you at home after your baby is born, and may help you:

• with household chores
• prepare meals
• care for older children, if you have any

Along with your midwife and child health nurse, your doula may help you learn how to feed your baby, settle them and generally care for them.

Ask your doula what support they offer after your baby is born.

The Australian doula industry is unregulated and doulas aren't required to have any specific qualifications. But, many complete training to become a birth doula, a postnatal doula, or both. The Womb to Tomb Foundation is government accredited.

Midwives are health professionals. Some are qualified nurses who have undertaken extra study to become a midwife, while others have completed a midwifery degree at university.

Practising midwives must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

Birth doulas do not have medical training and it's not part of their role to provide medical or health care advice. If you are having a home birth, you should have a trained midwife with you.

Doulas charge a private fee for their work. Check with Medicare or your private health insurance to see what is covered during your pregnancy and postpartum.

Make a list of questions to ask your doula based on what's important to you.

Here are some questions you might want to ask:

• What training or experience have you had?
• What services do you provide?
• What are your fees and charges?
• Do you have a Working with Children Check and Police Check?
• Are you up to date with your vaccinations, particularly whooping cough and influenza?
• Can you provide any testimonials from previous clients?

Doulas travel to the hospital or birth centre where you have your baby. They may also attend home births.

There is no right or wrong time to introduce your doula to your pregnancy care provider. The goal is to ensure everyone understands your birth preferences and works together to give you the best care.

Here are some tips on when to introduce your doula to your pregnancy care provider:

• Speak with your pregnancy care provider about your plans to include a doula in your care. If possible, ask your doula to come to a few antenatal appointments so they can meet each other.
• Your relationship with your doula will be different from your relationship with your doctor or midwife. There are different benefits from having both involved in your care. Ideally, your doula and your doctor or midwife will complement each other's skills and roles.
• It's important that your doula cooperates with the hospital or birth centre staff. Your doula will need to leave the room if your doctor or midwife asks them to — for example, in an emergency.

To find out more about employing a doula, contact the Womb to Tomb Foundation, Australian Doulas or Doula Network Australia.

You can also speak to a maternal child health nurse to learn more about how a doula can serve as your birth support partner.

SA Health provides a booklet for settling your baby from birth to 12 months.

Visit your local child health centre or talk to a child health nurse.