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Who is a doula?

A doula, or family and birth supporter, helps to create a positive experience of pregnancy and childbirth, supporting both mother, father and baby's readiness for birth. Birth support includes both physical, emotional and informational support. 

 

The cooperation between a doula and a woman expecting a baby begins before the birth - it is important to take time and prepare both physically and mentally so that the birth can proceed as planned. Since each pregnancy and childbirth is unique and different, women who have given birth before also need support and support in addition to first-time mothers. 

 

It is very important for the mother to be relaxed and calm during childbirth, trusting the strength of her body and intuition. A doula is committed to ensuring that the mother, baby, and other people present at the birth (in the case of a home birth, also older children and other family members) feel as well and safe as possible. If the birth takes place in a hospital, the doula also monitors adherence to the birth plan, so that everything goes exactly as the woman wanted it to. Statistics show that births attended by a doula are shorter and families are more satisfied with the birth experience.  

 

A birth assistant is there for the family even after the birth of the baby, staying after the birth to support the woman and visiting the family during the postpartum period as well. Various studies show that women who use a doula during pregnancy and childbirth experience less postpartum depression.  

  • I will be there for you during pregnancy, we will definitely meet to get to know each other, but I will also be there for you by phone, text or email. You can choose the frequency of communication yourself, according to your needs and wishes. 

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  • I will come to the birth as soon as you need it and feel that the time is right for you - I am available around the clock. In the case of a hospital birth, I will be there for you even before you go to the maternity hospital, supporting you in your own home.

 

  • After the birth, I will be with you for at least 2 more hours, and I will visit the family again 24 hours after the birth. I also offer breastfeeding counseling.

During pregnancy, I can provide support with topics such as:

  • Nutrition during pregnancy

  • Lifestyle during pregnancy

  • Exercise, sports, yoga during pregnancy

  • Physiology of childbirth

  • Emotional and physical preparation for childbirth

  • Releasing fears, discussing concerns

  • Alleviation of ailments during pregnancy

  • We'll make a birth plan together

  • Introduction and testing of birthing positions

  • We discuss the role of a support person in childbirth

  • Breathing techniques

  • Relaxation techniques

  • Meditation - what is it good for and is it suitable for everyone

  • Analysis of previous birth experiences

  • Rebozo Scarf Techniques

  • We discuss what to stock up on for both hospital and home births

  • Ailments during pregnancy - for example, nausea, backaches

During childbirth, I offer support:

  • Breathing together through the storms

  • Massage

  • Alleviating fears

  • Finding solutions to concerns

  • Homeopathy

  • Aromatherapy (essential oils)

  • Attention throughout the birth

  • Creating an atmosphere, a safe environment

  • Emotional support

  • Support also for the support person (if there is a husband, sister, mother, girlfriend at the birth in addition to the birth supporter)

  • Tracking the birth plan

Important topics in the postpartum period:

  • Breastfeeding

  • Practical baby care (diapers, dressing, body care, bathing, etc.)

  • Motherhood and fatherhood - we discuss the concerns that have arisen

  • Adaptation to the new role and the baby, the formation of closeness between the baby and the mother

  • Adaptation of family members to changes

  • Postpartum rest period - I'll let you rest and help you deal with the baby

  • I help prepare restorative foods for childbirth

  • Dealing with domestic animals - for example, a walk

  • Taking care of children who are already growing up in the family, adapting to a sister or brother

  • I help with home maintenance, housework, shopping

  • A baby's cry

  • Sleep rhythm

  • Discussing birth history

  • Bengkung Bandage - Bandage of the abdomen with a long scarf, used for faster recovery from childbirth

  • Different techniques for holding and carrying the baby

  • Rebozo Shawl Techniques/Massage

  • Night doula - if you want to rest at night

I help with breastfeeding counseling:

  • We review the baby's sucking technique, refer if necessary

  • Different positions suitable for breastfeeding, we will find the best one for you and your baby

  • If breastfeeding should be painful, we will find the reason and the solution

  • Nutrition while breastfeeding, what to do if the baby has gas

  • If the newborn refuses breast milk

  • How bottle feeding and pacifier use affect breastfeeding

  • Is there enough milk, baby's weight

  • Mealtimes - how often you should breastfeed

  • Breast milk versus formula

  • Breast conditions - such as mastitis

  • Weaning

  • Getting started with complementary foods

What can a Doula do to support?

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