Doula, a professional assistant accompanying mothers to the day of delivery

The existence of doulas as a companion for childbirth is increasingly in demand by pregnant women. In fact, not a few expectant mothers are willing to spend deeply to be accompanied by a doula until the time of delivery arrives as part of the preparation for childbirth. A doula is a professional personal assistant whose job is to take care of the mother's comfort until the day of delivery arrives.

Actually, how important is the role of a prayer during childbirth and what is the difference between a prayer and a midwife? Check out the full explanation below, yes!

The doula is a certified birth attendant

The word 'doula' in Greek means a maid. That is, a doula is someone who has a special role to assist mothers-to-be.

The doula is in charge of providing emotional, physical, as well as educational support for husband and wife couples to welcome the birth of a baby.

Doulas or birth attendants carry out their duties to assist mothers from the time of pregnancy, during childbirth, to after delivery.

The purpose of a doula is to help pregnant women go through a smooth, comfortable, and painless delivery experience.

Interestingly, the presence of a childbirth companion is also considered to be able to reduce the risk of mothers undergoing this type of delivery by cesarean section or shorten the time of delivery.

Support from birth attendants is equally good in reducing the possibility of giving labor induction and epidural injections for the mother.

That is why, not just anyone can become a companion from the start of pregnancy to the completion of the birth process.

Doula is a certified professional personal assistant because she has undergone formal education and training in pregnancy and childbirth.

These birth attendants are usually asked to accompany pregnant women giving birth in the hospital.

However, childbirth assistants can also help mothers who choose to give birth at home, for example by using the water birth method.

What are the benefits of a doula for pregnant women?

As mentioned earlier, the doula is a reliable childbirth companion for both mother and partner during pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium.

Launching from the Mayo Clinic, the existence of a doula can bring good benefits to mothers who are pregnant and preparing for labor.

The various benefits of a doula are as follows:

• Helping mothers feel physically comfortable by providing massages, practicing breathing techniques during childbirth, teaching how to push during childbirth.
• Helping mothers feel comfortable and providing physical and emotional support.
• Provides information about the delivery process and the postpartum period.
• Assist in early postnatal breastfeeding.

While the benefits of doulas during the labor process are thought to be as follows:

• Reducing the provision of pain relievers during labor.
• Reducing the chance for the mother to have a cesarean section so that she can still give birth normally.
• Helping mothers go through the birth process more easily so it doesn't take long.

Sometimes, this childbirth assistant can sometimes give advice before the mother and partner decide on something related to childbirth.

It's just that, birth attendants for these mothers cannot provide medical-related advice or advice.

Childbirth assistants also cannot change the recommendations that have been given by midwives and obstetricians.

What is the role of childbirth companion for expectant mothers?

Prospective mothers who want to get assistance until the day of delivery arrives usually starts looking for a trusted birth attendant a few months before giving birth.

During this preparation time, the doula's main role is to assist mothers-to-be in various ways.

These things, for example, encourage mothers to be more courageous in asking questions, expressing their fears and worries, and actively creating the desired birth plan.

Look, for example, you are about to give birth, but you are still confused about which hospital to give birth.

You are also faced with the dilemma between having a normal or cesarean delivery and with or without induction.

Then, since this is your first birthing experience, you are still not sure whether to tell the difference between false contractions and real labor contractions.

You may also recognize other signs of childbirth such as the opening of labor.

Well, your chosen birth attendant will help answer all questions and concerns.

Childbirth assistants can provide positive input according to the condition of the mother's pregnancy.

Mothers who are about to give birth will also continue to get encouragement to always provide positive stimulation for the baby in the womb to facilitate the labor process later.

Prior to childbirth, your professional companion will also guide you to learn a number of simple techniques to relieve pain during childbirth.

This simple technique includes deep breathing exercises, relaxation, and massage which can provide a sense of comfort while stimulating contractions as natural induction.

What is the difference between a prayer and a midwife?

From the definition, the roles of the midwife and doula seem not much different. Both of them both help women get through labor.

However, the function or role of a midwife and childbirth assistant is not the same.

According to UT Southwestern Medical Center, a midwife is a medical personnel who has been trained in assisting the delivery process.

A midwife is in charge of monitoring the mother's labor, delivering babies, and providing advice on the use of drugs.

Most midwives can function as a substitute for a doctor to help mothers give birth.

This is because midwives are equipped with formal midwifery education and have a legal permit (license) to perform the practice.

Midwives can also do pregnancy tests and examinations and prescribe pregnancy vitamins.

The task of midwives is also to be able to monitor mothers and babies during labor and birth, for example checking body temperature or blood pressure and performing vaginal examinations and others.

Meanwhile, doulas do not receive medical training, such as not helping with childbirth, replacing doctors or midwives, or taking the role of a nurse.

Childbirth assistants are also unable to carry out physical examinations, prescribe medication, or provide input on medical decisions.

The role of the doula is limited to being a "friend" of the expectant mother to relax, calm, and guide her through all kinds of childbirth.

This childbirth assistant is also different from nurses who have been medically trained according to their field of expertise.

Nurses play a role in helping doctors, monitoring babies, monitoring the delivery process, and helping mothers before to after delivery.

However, before deciding to use the services of a doula, make sure the birth attendant you choose is reliable in their field and certified.

Do you need a childbirth companion if you have a husband?

Even though they both act as companions for childbirth, the role of the husband cannot be replaced by a doula.

This is because the birth attendant only complements the comfort that has been done by the husband.

Childbirth companion for mothers will actually encourage husbands to support their wives emotionally and provide comfort through massage techniques and certain affirmations.

The doula will not interfere with the doctor's work during the delivery process.

When the doctor handles the delivery, the doula will continue to motivate the expectant mother to remain calm and control her breathing regularly during the labor process.

Even after giving birth, a childbirth assistant can also help the mother to adjust to her routine more quickly, especially for new mothers.

So, whether or not a doula is necessary is your decision and needs to be considered carefully.

Consider carefully with your husband whether or not you really need a doula during pregnancy until it's time to give birth.

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