Labor Doula Makes Motherhood a True Career

by Tara M. Clapper, Yahoo Contributor Network

What is the most important thing a doula does for a woman who is expecting?
What a doula does varies from individual to individual.

For some, doulas are a strong foundation that gives strength to a birthing woman and her partner to achieve the birth they want; for others, a doula is an extra pair of hands to give physical support through a long or trying labor, and for others still a doula is a wealth of knowledge that assists by providing her expertise and training.
So for me the most important thing a labor doula does is to be aware at all times of their clients needs and to provide individual care to address them.

Does your job change from client to client? Do some women want to focus more on certain things than others?
In the broad sense my job does not vary from client to client. I offer the same level of care to each woman and her partner. I will give each client the same number of prenatal and postnatal visits, continuous informational, emotional and physical support throughout labor, unlimited support through phone and email, on-call starting at 38 weeks through 3 weeks postpartum, a written birth story and photographs, and referrals and resources given as needed. Doulas are trained to work with the whole spectrum. Every woman and her family deserve a doula no matter where they are emotionally or how they plan to birth their baby.

When did you realize you wanted to be a doula?

It was about three a.m. on a cold December morning that I knew I wanted to be a doula. My friend had just given birth. I was sitting in a bed next to her feeding her yogurt and granola while she breastfed her baby. Her husband was glowing with pride and teary-eyed. I assisted them throughout their labor. I massaged her feet while he held her through contractions. I read birth blessings her friends had written, between contractions. I made sure they both drank their water and a marveled as she worked to bring her baby into the world. As I drove home, leaving them to be alone, I envisioned myself present at more births. It is in my nature to be a caring, supportive person and I have a passion for birthing women and their families. To do it as a career is truly a blessing.

What is the most rewarding thing about what you do?

Watching a woman and her partner become empowered to trust in their bodies, to become informed of their options, to own their birth, and witness them becoming parents and a new family. Pregnancy and birth are one of the few amazing experiences we get to do as humans and I strive to help them achieve the best birth possible.

In your opinion, who needs a doula?

Every pregnant birthing woman and her family needs a doula. Doulas are there for every member of the birth team, to offer guidance in an unfamiliar situation, to give support where needed, and to empower families to have the birth they deserve. By no means does a doula take the place of a doctor, the nurses, a father, a partner, a mother. They enhance and empower these relationships and special moments to be what they were meant to be.

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