CONTENTS :
- The doula, a benevolent helper devoted to the new mother
- From pregnancy to postpartum: all the roles of a doula
- The doula, the mother, her baby and the golden month
- How do you find a doula near you?
What could be more beautiful than giving birth to a child? What could be more introspective, upsetting and destabilizing? To accompany women and couples through these powerful moments of life, the doula is an unfailing perinatal support. During pregnancy, childbirth and the post-partum period, she offers her presence, knowledge and strength to the (future) parents who call on her services.
The doula, a benevolent helper devoted to the new mother
Becoming a mother is an adventure within an adventure. To make it as stress-free as possible,the doula supports the mother-to-be in her choices and questions around the birth of her child.
While the ancient Greek word for doula means "servant", today it's more commonly referred to as "companion". Sometimes present as early as the preconception period, and trained to accompany new parents through to the postpartum period, this non-medical companion's main role is to provide unconditional, benevolent moral and physical support.
A doula's support is first and foremost tailored to the needs and requests of the mother-to-be.
A maternity professional at your side, every day
In concrete terms, the doula answers all your questions, those you don't dare ask and those that no one else can answer. At every new stage, especially if it's your first child, and in the face of the fears, doubts, projections, emotions and sensations of pregnancy, the doula is there for you. At your request, she can also make sure that you are properly monitored and that you meet the right professionals: osteopath, pediatrician...
From a material point of view, and always according to your wishes, the doula will help you draw up your birth plan, draw up your birth list, organize your medical appointments, prepare your suitcase for the maternity ward or manage your return home.
If you feel the need, the doula is there with you every step of the way. Faced with a new and sometimes frightening motherhood, the doula is a reference point, a confidante, a shoulder to lean on.
Emotional support, an empathetic ear and practical help on all levels, the doula doesn't question your choices or your motherly intuition - she accompanies them.
How long does a doula's care last?
There are no rules here. It all depends on the need. This is less the case in France, but across the Atlantic, doulas accompany some couples right from the IVF or MAP procedure. Others specialize in end-of-life care.
For example, if you wish, your doula's care can begin in your third month of pregnancy, continue for the remaining six months until delivery, and continue throughout your maternity leave and beyond. It' s entirely up to you, depending on how you feel.
What's the difference between a doula and a midwife?
Unlike midwives,doulas are not part of the medical profession. She provides strictly non-medical support, in conjunction with, or parallel to, that provided by doctors.
Midwives and doulas are both experts in maternity care. However, the midwife provides medical care for women and newborns. The doula, on the other hand, provides physical and moral support, but cannot perform a procedure or issue a medical prescription.
What's more, the doula is chosen, hired and paid by the parents, either by the session or on a flat-rate basis. According to the Doulas de France association, doula rates range from €40 to €70 per session, and from €200 to €400 for assistance in the delivery room.
There is a belief that the doula's primary focus is on women who have chosen physiological (natural) childbirth. This is not true. The doula accompanies all pregnancies and all births, whether medicalized or not, in the maternity hospital or at home, in addition to the care provided by the midwife.
From pregnancy to postpartum: all the roles of a doula
Because the birth of a child is a whirlwind of emotions and feelings, the doula's role is multifaceted. By turns coach, advisor or support, she adapts to the needs of the woman she accompanies.
- Emotional support: During pregnancy, childbirth and the post-partum period, the doula is there to listen, reassure and encourage you. Her support helps reduce maternal stress and anxiety, especially as the birth approaches.
- Childbirth advice: From explanations of the different phases of childbirth, to options for pain relief and breathing techniques, a doula can help the mother-to-be feel more confident as she approaches labor.
- Birth coach: In the delivery room (if possible), your doula is present with the medical staff and your partner. Whether offering encouragement, advice or massage, she provides constant physical and emotional support.
- Breastfeeding tips: if you want to breastfeed your baby, talk to your doula. Whether you're talking about latching on, the right breastfeeding position, labour pains or going back to work, these discussions will help you build a positive breastfeeding relationship right from birth.
- Postpartum support: After childbirth, the doula can provide practical and emotional support to the new mother. Whether it's caring for the baby, advising on sleep, nutrition or infant health, discussing the emotions of motherhood or preparing meals, it's all up to you.
- Comprehensive support for the mother: From the physical to the 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 doula breastfeeding coach
Breastfeeding is natural, but not innate. Because breastfeeding has to be learned, some doulas offer breastfeeding support sessions. Take advantage of the opportunity to ask any questions you may have, express any fears you may have, and share any difficulties you may be experiencing. Number of feeds per day, breastfeeding pains, baby's weight gain or breast pump... Don't hesitate, your doula is there to help.
As most of these maternal carers offer à la carte sessions, you can contact your doula again when weaning, to make the transition from breast to bottle easier.
At Élhée, we've developed a nursing bottle specially designed toresemble the shape of the breast, with an extra-soft physiological teat perfectly adapted to babies' palates. Whether for weaning or mixed breastfeeding, it's the ideal complement to breastfeeding.
A post-partum doula to soothe body and mind
The post-partum period can be difficult. As fatigue vies with aches and pains for primacy in your discomfort, you may be struggling to establish new family landmarks and find your feet. Here again, the doula can act as a soothing balm.
- Physical care : Whether it's massage, relaxation techniques, poultices, Rebozo treatment or sophrology, the post-partum period should be a time of special care for the new mother. By helping her to relieve stress and pain, and to tame her new motherly body, the doula brings women who consult her the possibility of a faster, longer-lasting recovery.
- Emotional support: Throughout your pregnancy, during your birth and throughout the weeks of your postpartum period, 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 at the breast or with a bottle... By guiding you towards autonomy, the doula helps you gain confidence and show kindness to yourself.
- Logistical assistance: Depending on the choices you make, the postpartum doula can help you prepare meals or take care of tidying up, allowing you to rest and concentrate on your child.
Finally, during the postpartum period, as throughout the entire duration of her accompaniment, the doula listens attentively to your feelings as a new mother. It's a way for you to share your feelings and feel more supported and better surrounded.
The doula, the mother, her baby and the golden month
The "Golden Month" is a traditional period of maternal care and attention lasting 30 to 40 days after childbirth. Widespread in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, this consecrated period perfectly reflects the different 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 that parallels matrescence.
Rest and body care are part of her daily routine to relieve the aches, pains and discomforts of the postpartum period. An appropriate, balanced and nourishing diet is also provided to promote healing and tissue regeneration. Finally, family and friends help out with household chores and childcare for older children.
The main aim of the Golden Month is to offer mothers a unique time of recuperation and support after childbirth. The presence of a doula helps her to relax, to become aware of the changes she has undergone, and to let go with confidence. The doula also has an extensive network at her disposal to provide a therapeutic response to any ailment, whenever necessary.
And the role of fathers in all this?
For dads and partners who feel left out of their wife's pregnancy by the medical profession, the doula offers a solution. She explains to them how the pregnancy will be monitored and what the next steps will be for their wife and future baby. She also teaches them how to be present on the day of delivery, how to give soothing back massages, how to apply supportive postures...
In terms of the parent-child relationship, the doula is also the one who teaches skin-to-skin contact, newborn massage and how to recognize babies' cries.
Once again, every pregnancy, every family and therefore every follow-up is different. Your relationship with your doula will depend on your needs, demands and expectations regarding pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
How do you find a doula near you?
To find your doula, the first thing to do is consult the"Doulas de France" directory. It lists doulas who are members of the Doulas de France association, have signed the Doulas charter and have completed the training program developed by the association in 2006.
A Facebook group called "Trouver sa doula" (Find your doula ) also exists. It enables future parents to post a classified ad to find a doula in their area. Finally, word-of-mouth is a tried-and-tested technique.
Finally, take the time to meet several doulas. Your relationship will largely be based on feeling and trust, so it' s essential that you feel good with her and she with you. As a pre- and postnatal consultant, the doula is not a guide, she doesn't tell you what to do. She works with and respects your choices, so that together we can chart the course of your parenthood in complete freedom.
Les biberons Élhée accompagneront votre bébé de la naissance jusqu'à 24 mois et plus, pour lui permettre une parfaite autonomie, sans risque de casse.
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