The sooner a woman gets to know her doula and starts working together, the closer they get to know each other and the deeper the level of preparation for childbirth will be.
The difference between a doula and a midwife is that the doula is not a medical professional and may not have a medical degree. At the same time, unlike the midwife, the doula stays with the woman throughout the entire process of childbirth, monitors her emotional state, listens to the woman and defends her interests.
A doula went through the process of childbirth by herself and accompanied the birth of other women, so she understands what happens to a woman at each stage of childbirth and what support she may need. At the same time, the partner / spouse can better know the woman and how to better calm and cheer her up. Therefore, the doula and the partner can act as a great team during childbirth, providing the woman with all the support and care she needs.
If, for some reason, the doula cannot come to childbirth by herself, then another doula (back-up doula) arrives instead of her. The woman is notified about it and she can meet her back-up doula in advance if she wants.
Preparation for childbirth takes place in person or online via Zoom, depending on the government guidelines.
Support during the labour depends on the policy of the particular hospital. In 2020, the situation changed several times.
If the second partner is not allowed to be in the hospital and the laboring woman chooses to go with her husband, then the doula can provide remote support via phone / video call .
In individual cases it is possible to ask for permission to have two partners during labour.
In any case, the doula makes every effort to ensure that the woman in labour feels constant support and care.
Doulas do not do:
- Clinical manipulations – checking the dilation, position of the child
- Diagnostics, medical appointments
- Making decisions for the client (both medical and others)
- Taking on the responsibilities of a partner
- Delivery of a baby.
Rebozo is a handmade Mexican scarf. It is used by Mexican women in a variety of situations throughout their lives: to carry a baby in it, to tie up a belly after childbirth, to massage during childbirth, to wrap up if it is cold.
“Rebozo is an extension of our hands and hearts”, says Angelina, the Mexican midwife.