FAQ #2 - Does a doula replace my partner? We get this one a lot too!
Doula care is an evidence-based birth intervention, so we discuss it in our prenatal class.
Continuous support from a doula during labour is shown by high quality scientific research to increase rates of spontaneous vaginal births and decrease rates of cesarean sections, epidural use, vacuum/forceps assisted deliveries, and negative feelings about childbirth.
Oxytocin is the hormone that stimulates strong uterine contractions during labour. You could say it is one of the most important components of progressing labour. Oxytocin is secreted with social bonding experiences and with positive physical contact, such as cuddling, kissing, holding hands, sex, orgasm, breastfeeding, eye contact with your baby, petting a dog, etc.
Support partners can help progress labour by making the birthing person feel loved (stimulating oxytocin release), whether that’s through loving encouragement, loving touches, slow dancing, eye gazing, anything that really makes you feel the love! They are also usually the person in the room who knows the birthing person best.
Doulas are there to support partners too! If it’s a long labour especially, doulas can relieve partners who need to catch a quick nap or grab a snack to refuel before coming back to continue supporting their loved one. Doulas can help normalize the progress of labour. Especially when it’s your first time, you likely have never seen your partner make these particular sounds or work through a strenuous physical undertaking like this. A doula has lots of experience in variations of normal and can reassure you when you’re not sure whether or not a part of your experience is normal.
Ultimately, although both are there to support the labouring person, the role of a doula and the role of a partner are very different, and both have an important place in a person’s childbirth experience.
Did you have a doula? If so, how did they complement the support your partner offered you?
RESOURCES:
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3647727/