The Doula is just sitting there doing nothing

Jessi

May 07, 2018

All of the things above, but to be honest there have been a couple times where the Mom isn’t in pain, needs are met, resting fairly comfortably and especially when an epidural is involved, I’ve run out of conversation topics. I’m a new doula. I’ve been assured that sometimes there is downtime, but I just always feel like I should be doing more…

Emma

November 02, 2014

I wish I had seen this list before my birth – my doula actually did virtually nothing, I tracked contractions, went into another room because the comfy chair was taken…by the doula!, and then found out I was having back to back baby but no massages, positions etc. Learning from this is to get very clear up front on doula specifics … Because I’ve heard very good accounts from others, and can only assume it’s in the communication, and choice of proactive, engaged doula. Can be too easy to hide in the ‘best births are where I seem to be doing nothing’ category!

Kelly

December 20, 2013

Allowing the dad to play an active role, to make his presence known to speak to his child. To let mom & baby know they’re safe and to affirm that he can be as useful as their doula (me) who’s taking this all in…it’s a beautiful thing!

Ramona

December 20, 2013

I could see myself in the post and in some of the comments.Giving your clients privacy and respecting it is so important and supportive during the time we spend together.Being a Doula is soo much more then some people do think.. ;)

claire

October 10, 2013

I think it’s one of those jobs where people really notice more when your not there and they need you.

Doily Penet

October 11, 2013

I consider myself as “the oxytocin keeper”

Shalene Massie

October 10, 2013

Often, my clients desire me to guide the partner in doing more hands on support. I also give the couple privacy when Mom (or both) are in the bath, shower, or on the toilet, unless they need me in the bathroom.

Chloe Dierkes

October 10, 2013

Holding Space for the mama to do her thing.

I find especially in the hospital it can be easy to feel like I should be ‘doing’ more, because everyone else is running around looking important. In reality the quality of my ‘being’ is much more valuable.

When just one person in the room is really Present, there is a noticeable shift in the whole energy of the room. People bustle in and then start whispering, birthing women become more grounded and uninhibited, birth partners become more calm and at ease.

If I am the only one in the room taking long deep breaths and connecting to the divine sacredness of birth, I know it’s not for long, because soon the atmosphere will change and it will allow the birthing woman to feel safe, protected, empowered, and relaxed.

Gil

October 10, 2013

Sometimes mom & partner are in their zone and there’s no need for me in that moment. I get to sit back and watch the magic happen…but mentally I’m thinking of all the things you listed too!

Shanti Bradley

October 10, 2013

Just being present! It doesn’t sound like much, and I admit it doesn’t feel like much as I do it, but I’ve had so many clients say afterwards that just knowing I was there gave them the confidence they needed to be able to speak up for themselves. That’s a big deal in my book.

Shari

October 10, 2013

A sitting doula means there was a lot of work done at prenatal visits!

Tiffany Miller

October 10, 2013

Sometimes, I am filling in birth notes during a quiet moment, trying to maintain a basic timeline for mom and her partner.

Sometimes, I am maintaining space when mom and partner need to be alone.