Come on, Recognize the Role of Doula for Pregnant Women

The role of doulas for pregnant women may still not be known by many people. In fact, doulas have a significant role in supporting and assisting pregnant women, both before, during, and even after delivery. It cannot be denied, the role of doulas in Indonesia began to emerge when artists began using doula's services in their labor. Doula is a professional who is able to provide emotional, physical support and provide information needed during the process of pregnancy, childbirth, until the baby is born.

This is the Doula Role for Pregnant Women

Taken from Greek, doula has the literal meaning of "maid maiden". Doula is now more popular as a professional companion for pregnant women in the face of childbirth, to undergo preparation for parenthood. Although a doula cannot provide assistance in the form of medical treatment, a doula has extensive and in-depth knowledge about various matters related to childbirth. The role of doulas in helping pregnant women include:

1. Helping pregnant women deal with childbirth

Approaching the birth process, the doula will carry out a process of self-recognition and character to foster good cooperation with pregnant women. Doula will also try to recognize the condition of pregnancy and the needs of pregnant women well. During this time, pregnant women can dig up a lot of information from a doula. Starting from the stages of labor, actions that need to be taken to facilitate childbirth, to various possible complications and treatment. This is useful to help pregnant women be better prepared, while reducing the worries that they may feel before the birth process.

2. Reducing stress during labor

When undergoing labor, doulas usually give touches and massages to pregnant women. Getting a massage during labor is useful for triggering the production of natural oxytocin in the body, so it can reduce stress and anxiety. This will make the body of pregnant women feel more comfortable. During labor, a doula will also help pregnant women do proper breathing techniques to reduce labor pain during labor. Thus, pregnant women are expected to give birth more easily and comfortably.

3. Help speed up the delivery process

Excessive stress experienced by pregnant women during childbirth can inhibit the production of oxytocin, thus interfering with contractions. Therefore, the role of the doula in helping pregnant women cope with stress and feel more comfortable during childbirth can help the labor process go faster.

4. Provide assistance during the breastfeeding process

After the baby is born, a doula will help the new mother to start the breastfeeding process. Doula will give praise and support for the mother who has just struggled to live and die to give birth to her baby. Doula will also answer all questions about the breastfeeding process and help remind mothers to do things that may be needed during the breastfeeding process. Not only that, the doula will also help mothers and other family members to immediately bond with newborn babies.

Things You Should Look For Before Using a Doula Service

If a pregnant woman decides to use doula services, it is advisable to ask doulas the following questions:

• What training have you received?
• What services are provided?
• What information does the doula know about childbirth?
• How much does it cost?
• What are the things that make it sure to become a doula?
• Is the doula willing to spend time discussing labor?
• Is the doula willing to accompany you until labor comes?
• What will the doula do if she does not arrive when labor arrives?

The above questions can help pregnant women to get a picture of the characteristics of a doula who will later become a professional companion for pregnant women. In addition to asking doulas some of the questions above, pregnant women also ask information from family or friends who have used doulas before. Also make sure the doula can make pregnant women feel more comfortable before, during, and after the birth process. Although a doula has quite a number of roles and is important for pregnant women, the role of the obstetrician and family to provide support is irreplaceable.