The Role of a Doula: Support Through Pregnancy, Birth, and Postpartum | Chicago Muslim Birth Doula Chicago Muslim Postpartum Doula
Pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period are some of the most transformative times in a person’s life. The journey is marked by immense joy but can also bring challenges and uncertainties. This is where a doula steps in—to provide unwavering support tailored to the unique needs of each individual and family. Let’s explore the essential role of a doula, address common misconceptions, and highlight the proven benefits of having a doula by your side.
What Does a Doula Do?
A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Unlike medical providers, doulas focus solely on enhancing the birthing person’s overall experience. Here’s a closer look at their role during each stage:
Pregnancy: Doulas help clients prepare for birth by providing evidence-based information on options, discussing birth preferences, and addressing fears or concerns. They may also teach relaxation techniques and suggest exercises or positions to promote comfort and readiness for labor.
Birth: During labor, a doula offers continuous support, which can include massage, breathing techniques, positional suggestions, and reassurance. They act as an advocate, ensuring the birthing person’s wishes are respected while fostering clear communication with the medical team.
Postpartum: After the baby arrives, a doula assists with the emotional and physical recovery process. This support can include guidance on newborn care, breastfeeding assistance, and helping the family adjust to their new dynamic.
Doulas vs. Midwives: What’s the Difference?
While both doulas and midwives play crucial roles in the birthing process, their responsibilities are distinct. A midwife is a trained healthcare provider who delivers babies and provides prenatal and postnatal care. They are medically focused, ensuring the health and safety of both the birthing person and the baby.
In contrast, a doula does not perform clinical tasks like monitoring fetal heart tones or delivering babies. Instead, they focus on the non-clinical aspects of support—helping clients feel empowered, informed, and emotionally supported. Together, doulas and midwives can create a harmonious team that balances medical expertise with holistic care.
The Benefits of Hiring a Doula
Research consistently shows that having a doula can lead to better outcomes for birthing people and their babies. According to a 2017 Cochrane review, continuous support during labor—such as that provided by a doula—is associated with:
A 39% reduction in the risk of cesarean birth (Bohren et al., 2017).
A 15% increase in the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth (Bohren et al., 2017).
A 10% decrease in the use of pain medications (Bohren et al., 2017).
A 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five-minute Apgar score (Bohren et al., 2017).
Beyond these statistics, the emotional benefits are equally profound. Doulas provide a calming presence, help reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of empowerment and confidence in the birthing person and their family.
Why a Doula Can Make All the Difference
Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are deeply personal experiences, and every individual deserves to feel supported and respected throughout their journey. A doula’s role is to meet you where you are, helping you navigate the challenges and celebrate the joys with compassion and expertise. Whether you’re planning a home birth or a hospital delivery, a medicated or unmedicated labor, a doula can be your advocate, cheerleader, and trusted companion every step of the way.
Are you considering adding a doula to your birth team? Let’s connect and discuss how we can work together to create a positive and empowering birth experience tailored to your needs.
Sources:
Bohren, M. A., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., Fukuzawa, R. K., & Cuthbert, A. (2017). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (7), CD003766. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub6
About Salam Birth Services
Hey there, I'm Lana, the human behind Salam Birth Services! I'm a Chicago-based birth photographer, doula and childbirth educator covering mainly the Western, Northwestern and Southwestern suburbs, but feel free to reach out if you live outside those borders to enquire about my availability.
You can find me on Instagram , or you can get in touch here by sending a message!