The function of a doula.

Doulas function and act as non-medical caregivers during a birth. Doulas can practice in hospitals with written permission from a client's caregiver, stating what a doula can do and can not do.

Doulas are not medically trained professionals. Therefore they are prohibited from delivering babies or provide any medical care whatsoever. A certified doula has done the necessary training through a registered and accredited program, which includes a written exam and practical hours to master the art of assisting pregnant women and husbands or partners and their families during pregnancy and childbirth.

Doulas help educate parents on breastfeeding, birthing option, informed decision making, and so much more—doulas debrief traumatic experiences and infant loss as described as a bereavement doula.

Holding hands during fertility treatments and assisting in postpartum care are all within a doula's scope of practice.

Doulas do not replace medical care providers such as midwives, gynecologists, and Nurses. Doulas enrich the birthing environment for both laboring mothers and their families.

The sole purpose of a doula is to contribute to more positive and empowering birthing experiences, no matter how a mother chooses to give birth. A hired doula will be there (if allowed in the birthing premises) respectfully ensuring that the mother's wishes are being heard and met as willingly as possible.

Doulas do not replace the husband or partner in the birth room but merely give them the abilities to assist the mother in a suitable and empowering manner. Doulas are a source of support for a husband or partner because they, too, will be taken care of in a way that is pleasing to both mother and husband/partner.

For example, ensuring the husband or partner stays hydrated, gets sleep, feels empowered, and is included by helping the mother with massaging techniques.

A doula acts as a buffer between stressors and expectant or laboring mothers. Doulas understand the importance of oxytocin in birth, and they know how stress is the culprit for a birth to turn into a negative experience. It is a doula's responsibility to ensure minimum stress in the birthing environment if given the necessary time and opportunity to do so within her ability.

When hiring a doula, clients might schedule a few meetings with her to build a relationship and see if they like the doula.

The following topics might be discussed:

• Birthing options
• Fear and anxiety towards birth and related topics
• Previous trauma (e.g., sexual, birth-related and so forth)
• Breathing and relaxation techniques
• Fear releasing techniques
• Visualization of labor and delivery
• Religious and cultural views and preferences
• Mental health
• Fear and anxiety triggers
• Preparing the mother's body for upcoming labor (exercises, herbal mixes, and teas, perineal massaging, etc.)
• Preparing the mother mentally for upcoming labor
• Human rights in the birth room (delayed cord clamping, skin to skin, golden hour after birth, etc.)

Limiting stress in the birth room:

• A doula will take responsibility for contacting friends and family.
• Answering phone calls and messages
• Keeping unwanted guests out of the birth and recovery room
• Ensuring that the husband or partner is kept well informed and calm
• Creating the perfect, natural oxytocin stimulating environment (dimmed lights, soothing music, using essential oils and encouraging love gestures from the husband or partner)
• Answering to every need the laboring mother may present.
• Reassuring mothers about their bodies' abilities
• Translating medical terms
• Explaining medical procedures
• Giving the sense of royalty to a laboring mother and being treated as such
• Making sure that mother and baby's clothes are ready to be worn after birth
• Informing care providers of any preferences such as:
• Vaccinations
• Breast or formula feeding
• Dietary specifications (e.g., vegan or vegetarian)
• Religious and cultural specifications

• Resolving and keeping fear at bay

You will learn more about the individual birthing hormones in the main 'Signature doula" course.