SUMMARY :
- The doula, a caring and dedicated support for the new mother
- From pregnancy to postpartum: all the roles of a doula
- The doula, the mother, her baby, and the golden month
- How to find a doula near you?
What could be more beautiful than bringing a child into the world? What could be more introspective, overwhelming, and also destabilizing? To support women and couples through these powerful life moments, a doula provides invaluable perinatal support. During pregnancy, childbirth, and throughout the postpartum period, she offers her presence, knowledge, and strength to the (expectant) parents who seek her services.
The doula, a caring and dedicated support for the new mother
Becoming a mother is an adventure within an adventure. To experience it as serenely as possible, the doula supports the expectant mother in her choices and questions surrounding the birth of her child .
While in ancient Greek, doula means "servant," today we more readily speak of a support person. Sometimes present from the preconception period and trained to support new parents through to the postpartum period, this non-medical support person's main role is to provide unconditional and caring moral and physical support .
The support of a doula is above all a tailored follow-up that closely meets the needs and requests of the expectant mother.
A maternity professional, by your side, every day
In practical terms, the doula answers all your questions , even those you're hesitant to ask and those no one else can answer. At each new stage, especially if it's your first child, and in the face of the fears, doubts, expectations, emotions, and sensations of pregnancy, the doula is there. At your request, she can also ensure you receive proper care and that you meet with the appropriate professionals: osteopath, pediatrician, etc.
From a practical point of view and always according to your wishes , the doula helps you in particular to write your birth plan, to draw up your baby list, to organize your medical appointments, to prepare your bag for the maternity ward or to manage the return home.
If you feel the need, the doula is there for you every step of the way. Faced with the sometimes daunting prospect of motherhood, the doula is a source of support , a confidante, a shoulder to lean on.
Providing emotional support, an empathetic ear, and practical help at all levels, the doula does not question your choices or your maternal intuitions, she accompanies them.
How long does doula support last?
In this area, there are no hard and fast rules . It all depends on the needs. This is less common in France, but across the Atlantic, doulas support some couples from the very beginning of IVF or assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures . Others specialize in end-of-life care.
If you wish, your doula's support can begin, for example, in your third month of pregnancy, continue for the remaining six months until delivery, and extend throughout your maternity leave and even beyond. It's entirely up to you , based on what feels right for you.
What are the differences between a doula and a midwife?
Unlike a midwife, a doula is not part of the medical profession . She provides strictly non-medical support that is coordinated with, or takes place alongside, that of doctors.
Midwives and doulas are both highly skilled professionals in the field of maternity. However, midwives provide medical care to women and newborns. Doulas, on the other hand, offer physical and emotional support, but cannot perform medical procedures or issue prescriptions.
Furthermore, the doula is chosen, hired, and paid by the parents , either per session or as a package. According to the Doulas of France association, doula fees range from €40 to €70 per session and from €200 to €400 for support in the delivery room.
A common misconception is that doulas primarily support women who have chosen a physiological (natural) birth. This is false. Doulas support all pregnancies and births, whether medically assisted or not, in hospitals or at home, complementing the care provided by the midwife.
From pregnancy to postpartum: all the roles of a doula
Because the birth of a child represents a whirlwind of emotions and feelings, the doula's role is multifaceted. Acting as a coach, advisor, or supporter, she adapts to the needs of the woman she is assisting.
- Emotional support: During pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, the doula is there to listen, reassure, and encourage you. Her support helps reduce maternal stress and anxiety, especially as the birth approaches.
- Advice for childbirth: from explaining the different phases of childbirth, to the available options for pain relief and breathing techniques, thanks to her doula, the expectant mother feels more confident as labor approaches.
- Birth coach: In the delivery room (if possible), your doula is present with the medical staff and your partner. Offering encouragement, advice, or massages, she provides constant physical and emotional support.
- Breastfeeding advice: If you wish to breastfeed your baby , talk to your doula. From latching and proper breastfeeding positions to pain or returning to work, these discussions foster a positive breastfeeding relationship from birth.
- Postpartum support: After childbirth, a doula can provide practical and emotional support to the new mother. This includes baby care, advice on sleep, feeding, and infant health, discussions about the emotions associated with motherhood, and meal preparation – all tailored to your needs.
- Comprehensive support for the mother: physical, emotional and psychological needs, the presence of your doula contributes to a faster recovery and a smoother transition to your new role as a parent.
A breastfeeding doula coach
Breastfeeding is a natural process, but not innate. Because breastfeeding is a skill that needs to be learned, some doulas offer breastfeeding support sessions . Take advantage of these sessions to ask all your questions and express your concerns, as well as share any difficulties you may be experiencing. Whether it's the number of daily feedings, breastfeeding pain, the baby's weight gain, or pumping , don't hesitate to ask; your doula is there to answer your questions.
Since most of these maternal companions offer à la carte sessions, you can contact your doula again at the time of weaning, to make the transition from breast to bottle easier .
At Élhée, we have developed a feeding bottle specially designed to mimic the shape of the breast and equipped with an extra-soft physiological teat , perfectly adapted to babies' palates. For weaning or for mixed feeding, it is the best complement to breastfeeding .
A postpartum doula to soothe the body and mind
The postpartum period can be difficult . While fatigue and pain vie for dominance in your discomfort, you may struggle to establish new family routines and find your bearings. Here again, a doula can act as a soothing balm.
- Physical care: massages, relaxation techniques, poultice application, Rebozo treatments, or sophrology—the postpartum period should be a time of utmost care for the new mother. By helping her relieve stress and pain, and adapt to her new maternal body, a doula offers women the possibility of a faster and more lasting recovery.
- Emotional support: throughout your pregnancy, during childbirth and in the weeks following your birth, the doula is there to listen to you and support you emotionally, reassuring you and validating your emotions, however intense and difficult they may be.
- Newborn care: how to change a diaper easily, give a stress-free bath, clean the umbilical cord, soothe and feed baby with breast milk or bottle … By guiding you towards autonomy, the doula helps you gain confidence and show kindness towards yourself.
- Logistical support: depending on your choices, the postpartum doula can help you prepare meals or manage small storage tasks, allowing you to rest better and focus on your child.
Finally, during the postpartum period, as throughout her support, the doula listens attentively to your feelings as a new mother . This allows you to share your experiences and feel more supported and better cared for.
The doula, the mother, her baby, and the golden month
The "golden month" is a traditional period of care and attention given to the mother for 30 to 40 days after childbirth . Widespread in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, this dedicated period perfectly reflects the various roles of the doula.
During this unique period, the mother recovers physically and emotionally from childbirth. Around her, the women in her close circle and her doula accompany her towards a physical and spiritual rebirth, which can be compared to matrescence .
Rest and personal care are part of her daily routine to alleviate the aches, pains, and discomforts of postpartum. A suitable, balanced, and nourishing diet is also prepared to promote healing and tissue regeneration. Finally, family and friends participate in household chores and childcare for older children.
The main objective of the golden month is to offer the mother a unique period of recovery and support after childbirth . The presence of a doula helps her relax, become aware of the changes that have taken place, and let go with confidence. The doula also has an extensive network to provide therapeutic support for any discomfort, when needed.
And what is the role of fathers in all of this?
For all the fathers and partners who feel excluded from their wife's pregnancy by the medical profession, a doula offers a solution. She explains the prenatal care process and the upcoming stages for their wife and their future baby. She also teaches them how to be present on the day of delivery, how to provide soothing back massages, how to use supportive postures…
In terms of the parent-child relationship, the doula is also the one who teaches skin-to-skin contact, newborn massage, or recognizing babies' cries.
Again, every pregnancy, every family, and therefore every care plan is different. Your relationship with your doula will be shaped by your needs, requests, and expectations regarding pregnancy, birth, and parenthood.
How to find a doula near you?
To find your doula, the first thing to do is consult the "Doulas of France" directory . It lists doulas who are members of the Doulas of France association, signatories of the Doulas charter, and who have completed the training program developed in 2006 by the association.
A Facebook group called "Find Your Doula" also exists. It allows expectant parents to post a small ad to find a doula near them. Finally, word-of-mouth is a completely proven technique.
Finally, take the time to meet several doulas. Your relationship will be largely based on feeling and trust, so it's essential that you feel comfortable with her and she with you . As a prenatal and postnatal consultant, the doula is not a guide; she doesn't tell you what to do. She works with you, respecting your choices, to chart your path to parenthood together, with complete freedom.
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