SKIP TO CHAPTER SKIP TO CHAPTER
Is a Doula the Same as a Midwife? How Does a Doula Help During Labour? What Does a Doula Do to Help Postpartum? Can Doulas Help With Breastfeeding?

A doula is a specially trained individual who provides comfort and support to women and their partners during labor and delivery.1 The support and knowledge provided by a doula can make mothers feel more in control of their situation and less anxious about the process of giving birth.2 They can provide support for women throughout pregnancy, labour and the post partum period. Studies have indicated that mothers who have continuous support during labour and birth in a hospital are more likely to:1,2

  • Have a shorter labour. Labour may be shortened by about 1.5 hours with the help of a birth doula.
  • Have less need for pain medicine or other procedures like a c-section. C-section chances decrease by 51%, and the use of pain medicine decreases by 36%.
  • Describe their birth experience in a positive way.

The educational and emotional support provided by doulas, as well as physical comfort, can be invaluable to new parents. A doula can enable a partner to feel comfortable being involved in the birth of the child.3 Many couples who employ a doula have stated that their presence has not only strengthened the couple’s relationship with each other but also their relationship with their new baby.3

Is a Doula the Same as a Midwife?

No. While a doula will offer continuous physical support for mothers, they do not perform any clinical tasks, give medical advice, deliver the baby, or diagnose any medical conditions.2,3 Instead, a doula provides support for people.3

While doulas will receive their own special training to ensure that they’re equipped to help new mothers, midwives in Canada are classified as independent care providers and provide full-course care to women throughout the duration of a pregnancy.4 They must complete an undergraduate degree in midwifery and register with a local regulatory body in the province they’re going to practice in.4 A midwife can conduct physical examinations and run diagnostic tests to monitor the health of the mother and baby, as well as provide guidance for newborns and young infants.4

How Does a Doula Help During Labour?

Labour can be a stressful time for expectant mothers. Each person’s experience is different, and while first-time moms may feel some anxiety about not knowing what to expect, mothers of multiple children may learn that labouring with their second or third child is entirely different from labouring with their first. Having a doula to give continuous support during labour may help to ease some of that anxiety.

You may opt to have a doula help you at home. Whether you’re planning a home birth or just want some extra support before you head to the hospital, you might expect the doula to do the following:2

  • Answer questions for you and your family.
  • Provide reassurance for the mother and her partner, family, and friends.
  • Help track your labour and contractions.
  • Support you as you go to the hospital and ensure that you feel confident when you get there.

If you go the route of a home birth before your doctor or midwife arrives to help with delivery, a doula may help prepare a pool or bath if you want to labour in water and clean up afterwards.2

At a hospital, a doula can be an invaluable asset to your support team before and during childbirth, especially since nurses in a labour and delivery ward are often busy with many patients.2 They can play multiple roles in your labour and birth experience in a medical setting:1,2

  • Advocate for you and your chosen birth plan and help communicate your wishes to your family and medical team.
  • Stay comfortable and relaxed throughout labour.
  • Help you to breathe and provide emotional support and comfort for you and your partner.

What Does a Doula Do to Help Postpartum?

Some doulas also provide support for the new family after the baby is born and can help the family adjust to its new addition. In addition to newborn care, a doula may assist with housekeeping and preparing meals.1 They provide support and reassurance for parents during their emotional and physical recovery and encourage parent-infant bonding and can help new parents feel more confident in their new roles, which may reduce the risk of postpartum depression.1 For parents who already have children and are bringing home a new baby, a postpartum doula can help to smooth that transition for the siblings.1

Can Doulas Help With Breastfeeding?

Even for experienced mothers, breastfeeding may have its share of trials and tribulations. Thankfully, many doulas are trained to support breastfeeding families.1 Even if you’ve breastfed other children, your prior experiences may differ greatly from how things go with your new baby. A doula who understands breastfeeding and lactation can help you and your baby understand each other, especially in the early days. They may also have access to additional education, skills, lactation connections and resources to help support new mothers.1

The decision to include a doula in your labour and delivery plan is one that may be very special to a mother and her partner. Make sure that the doula you choose to work with is a good match for you and your personality. A good fit should feel like a trusted friend and advocate who can guide you through the birth of your child.

  1. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/pregnancy-parenting/labour-and-birth/planning-your-delivery/including-doula-your-birth-experience
  2. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/pregnancy-parenting/labour-and-birth/planning-your-delivery/doulas-and-support-during-childbirth
  3. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/maternity-newborn-care-guidelines-chapter-4.html
  4. https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/Structure/NocProfile?objectid=9rE4eCm1l4kKYF7xZqLgFJ%2FEbxom8vWAB7AO7olFJdA%3D
Share