A DAY WITH A DOULA

A Day With

a Doula

By Juliet Almendro

Much like a doula walks alongside expecting mothers on their birthing journeys, WOMBS Chairlady Gayle Friedman walks us through her experience as a doula, sharing invaluable insight and tips for expecting parents.

A doula supports mothers physically, emotionally, and mentally before, during “and after their birthing experiences.

Their methods vary, but often include a mixture of practices ranging from breathwork and hypnobirthing to natural pain relief, massage, natural support remedies, and more. JOURNEYING WITH A DOULA HAS BEEN SHOWN TO DECREASE THE:

• length of labour by 25% • need for synthetic oxytocin by 40% • possibility of a cesarean birth by 50% • mother’s need for medication by 30% • mother’s need for an epidural by 60% • need for instrumental delivery by 40%

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“As much as childbirth is similar, it’s also an extremely individual experience. It can be very different for each woman - depending on their physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, cultural and genetic wellbeing,” shares Friedman.

After attending almost 550 births and having a wealth of experience under her belt, there is still one particular birth that has stuck with her over the years. She remembers the awe of witnessing a successful ‘mermaid’ or ‘veiled’ birth, wherein the baby was born en caul – a rare event in which the amniotic sac remained whole, and the baby was birthed within its jelly-like bubble. The doctor gently encouraged the sac open, and the baby greeted the world for the very first time on its mother’s chest.

“I would say that was probably the most magical birth that I’ve ever witnessed. The mother’s bravery and ability to just give her body over to such an intense experience, and the baby coming out fully intact - where the water hadn’t even burst yet…what a beautiful miracle it was,” she shares.

As rewarding and enjoyable as it is to be a doula, it can also be challenging. When a doula is on call, they have to drop everything at a moment’s notice and fully commit to being present and with the parents for the next 12 - 24 hours, often running on little to no sleep, which can lead to exhaustion and burnout. It is, therefore, crucial to always have a backup doula.

Additionally, doulas often struggle to gain access to hospital labour rooms, as they are not officially part of the medical team, and therefore need to create a trusting relationship with your medical birthing team before being granted access to your room. Thus, it’s best to choose a doula who is certified and educated, as this can significantly improve the likelihood of your doctor allowing them to be present during your labour. WOMBS and other doula training organisations certify doulas through a three-hour written exam and a sixmonth course on labour etiquette (which includes the scope of practice and code of ethics), as well as natural pain relief methods. A doula’s top tips for childbirth preparation:

1. Educate yourself Read up on positive vaginal birth experiences, and research C-sections and emergency care so that if an issue arises, you’ll have an understanding of the process.

2. Attend antenatal classes Go to some antenatal classes with your partner so that you can both learn about and prepare for breastfeeding, early parenting, newborn baby behaviour, and more.

3. Connect with others Reach out to your family and friends who have had babies, and other pregnant women for moral support and advice.

4. Find a doula Allow yourself to find comfort in having an emotional and mental support professional right beside you throughout the entire birthing process.

5. Stay active Swim, do yoga, and spend time walking in nature for light, easy cardio.

6. Eat well Nourish both your and your baby’s developing bodies to boost and maintain overall health.

7. Get a lactation consultant Have your questions answered, and receive advice and assistance from a professional on any breastfeeding issues, such as poor milk supply, trouble latching, and breast pain.

ABOUT GAYLE FRIEDMAN Gayle is the chairlady of WOMBS Doulas; a facilitator of SADAA (South African Doula Association and Administration); and founder of the Sunshine Health & Colour Academy. She is passionate about offering support and care to both expecting parents and their babies. For more information or to get in touch, visit www.wombs.org.za.