10 ways a Doula can support a First-Time Mom
Here are 10 ways a doula can support a first-time mom and dad.
Emotional Support: Providing continuous emotional reassurance and encouragement throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. A doula has the knowledge and experience of how labor and birth can be but an amazing doula also has the emotional stability that is needed in the time of labor, creating the positive and calm atmosphere for the laboring mom.
Education and Information: Offering evidence-based information about pregnancy, childbirth options, and newborn care to empower informed decision-making.
Physical Comfort: Utilizing comfort measures such as massage, positioning suggestions, and relaxation techniques during labor.
Advocacy: Acting as an advocate for the mother’s birth preferences and ensuring her voice is heard in medical settings. A doula will never speak on-behalf of the parents but can ask questions to help facilitate the conversation with the care provider.
Partner Support: Supporting the partner in their role and offering guidance on how they can best assist the laboring mother.
Continuous Presence: Remaining with the mother throughout labor and delivery, offering continuous support regardless of the length of the process.
Labor Coping Techniques: Teaching and coaching coping techniques such as breathing exercises, visualization, and mindfulness to manage labor pains.
Postpartum Support: Providing guidance and support in the immediate postpartum period, including breastfeeding assistance and emotional support.
Information on Infant Care: Educating on basic newborn care such as feeding, diapering, and soothing techniques.
Follow-Up: Offering postpartum visits to provide emotional support, assist with breastfeeding challenges, and offer guidance as the mother adjusts to her new role.
These ways collectively aim to enhance the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of the first-time mother throughout the childbirth experience and beyond.
