Typically, doulas meet with the parents in the second or third trimester of the pregnancy to get acquainted and to learn about prior birth experiences and the history of this pregnancy. Most importantly, the doula will provide comfort, support, and information about birth options. A doula can help the woman to determine prelabor from true labor and early labor from active labor. At a point determi
ned by the woman in labor, the doula will come to her and assist her by:
Helping her to rest and relax
Providing support for the woman's partner
Encouraging nutrition and fluids in early labor
Assisting her in using a variety of helpful positions and comfort measures
Constantly focus on the comfort of both the woman and her partner
Helping the environment to be one in which the woman feels secure and confident
Providing her with information on birth options
A doula works cooperatively with the health care team. In the event of a complication, a doula can be a great help in understanding what is happening and what options the family may have. The doula may also help with the initial breastfeeding and in preserving the privacy of the new family during the first hour after birth.
-Cappa
