My DONA Essay

              The Value and Purpose of Labour Support

Women and their partners may have misconceptions on what role the Doctors and Nurses play during labour and delivery.  They may not realize that the Doctor usually only ‘catches’ the baby and the nurses are there to monitor and record the progression of a safe labour and birth, possibly having the time to provide emotional support needed, in between patients.  Most nurses are overworked, understaffed, have more than one patient, go on shift changes or breaks. These inconsistencies with labour support can put more stress in a labour room especially if this is the first birth. Often medical professionals are open to Doulas present during birth and are welcoming of the support Doulas have to offer.

Labour support first off can put a mother and her partner at ease when they know ‘who’ will be there for support and that the doula won’t go on shift change or leave at any particular moment.  Doulas can alleviate some stressors and have the professional knowledge to help with position change, comfort techniques, understanding of the progression of labour and encourage the mother to do what she wants or have interventions that she wants, while maintaining the safety of the mom and baby.

A professional Doula should not only be educated in emotional and physical support of a labouring woman, they should also thoroughly understand the stages of labour and the pros and cons of possible interventions. A Doula, in no way, should undermine the medical professionals or perform any type of medical exams or involvement. They also should not make any decisions for the mother or on the mother’s behalf. Doulas responsibilities should include;

• Empowering the woman/birth partner to address any medical concerns with her healthcare provider. 
• Support women on their right to choose and their right to their birth 
• Involve the birth partner as much as they’re comfortable with. 
• Offer advice for comfort techniques or positions. 
• Maintain a consistent means of support to both the mother and birth partner. 
• Educate the mother on interventions and pain medications previous to delivery.

The means of support, as listed above, may seem to be minor or simple for some. However the evidence of Doula support for the labouring mother, with or without a partner, is astonishing.  This simple involvement has a huge impact on a variety issues. According to “The Doula Book”, the caesarean rate for induced women who had a doula present was 20% compared to 63.6% of women without doula support.  The next astounding percentage was in regards to teen mothers and breastfeeding and epidural rates. The breastfeeding rates were 80% with doula support compared to 45% without support. The epidural percentage was recorded at 11.4% with Doula support compared to 50% without support. These comparisons only show and signify the importance of positive and consistent labour support throughout all stages of delivery and including breastfeeding support and success.

It is fascinating the memories a mother has in regards to her labour. When reading, The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Doulas, and All Other Labour Companions, I was surprised that a mother can retain such intricate details about the birth experience she has had.  This too shows the magnitude of being involved in such an intimate moment. The honour of being invited into a birth is grandiose.

It has been shown, through many forms of literature, how beneficial labour support present during birth can have. Doulas present during birth have become more popular and a modern trend.  On another note, Consistent support has shown to decrease a need for medical intervention, therefore, reducing costs associated to possible outcomes, for example, caesarean sections. Possibly, in the future, these facts will be taken into consideration and the role of a doula will become recognized as staff within the hospital environment rather than privately hired.