In the past 10 years or so, the concept of having a birth doula has gained tremendous ground in Singapore. Harkening back to a time when women gave birth at home, with a village midwife instead of a medical doctor in attendance, the idea of birth as a near ceremonial experience has indeed caught on in growing Mommy communities.
What is a Doula?
For those not in the know, a Doula is a sort of birth coach. She is person in attendance primarily during the birth (but also pre and post-birth) to ensure caregiving of the birthing mother and the realization of her birth plan. Often times, a doula acts as a bridge between medical practitioners and the birthing mother – to relay information, explore birth options (if a natural birth does not go according to plan) and assist during the labour and delivery in the hospital room or home.
The Doula would also have helped the Mom to plan and prepare for the birth by drawing a up a birth plan and learning all about how to have a natural birth using hypnobirthing techniques or other natural alternatives. Most times, parents who work with Doulas are looking for support in order to experience a natural, pain-free birth without (or with few) medical interventions, a water birth or a home birth.
Many hospitals and birthing centres in Singapore now recognise the function of a Doula during delivery.
Why get a Doula? Isn’t my partner enough?
There are many couples with supportive partners who have successfully navigated common medical procedures and were lucky enough to realise their perfect birth without any other assistance. However, many Mums choose to work with a Doula for a number of reasons.
The first could be if they do not have a spouse or partner who is prepared to fully commit to the birth plan. While many spouses or husbands are supportive of their wives, they may not necessarily be equipped to fully handle birth emergencies or make decisions when the birthing Mom is incapacitated. So having a Doula who is trained and professional will take the burden off either parent. The birthing Mum can thus fully focus on her delivery and the husband or partner can take on the role of supportive spouse.
Single Mums would require a doula for obvious reasons: to have someone they know and trust in the delivery room who will root for them and their birth plan, coaching them through various challenges during labour, ensuring their comfort and being a steadfast allayer of their wishes to the medical team during the whole process.
Does a Doula in presence mean I will get a natural birth?
Unfortunately, no one can predict what birth you’re meant to have, even with a plan in place. However, the birth plan is a start and having a Doula can be a calming presence during labour and increase your chances of having the birth you want.
Should your options for a natural birth not come to pass, a Doula would also help you work through the aftermath in a healthy way and also provide post-partum advice and comfort if you’re struggling with issues such as breastfeeding and baby caring.
Interested to find out more about Doulas, contact one from our Directory now!