When I read this quote (below) from Tao Te Ching, written hundreds of years ago, I can’t help but think of how well it describes doula work as well:
You are a midwife assisting at someone else’s birth. Do good without show or fuss. Facilitate what is happening rather than what you think ought to be happening. If you must take the lead, lead so that the mother is helped, yet still free and in charge. When the baby is born the mother will rightly say, “We did it ourselves!”
Quietly present and supportive… encouraging while allowing the mother to lead… providing information, but always following the mother’s wishes. That is the essence of doula work! And it can lead to the beautiful outcome described in the quote. The feeling of strength and empowerment that comes from a birth where the birthing person says ‘I did it’ is unlike any other. More than that, the benefits of more satisfaction with the birthing experience are far reaching. Bonding is often easier, breastfeeding is more likely to be successful, and there are fewer instances of postpartum mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. The positive effects of satisfaction with the birth experience can even extend into parenting and the first year of baby’s life, giving them the foundation they need for successful relationship building and a feeling of security and love.
So, should you hire a doula? I suggest that you should at least consider it. Look into the options available where you live, think about what support you would want, and remember that a supported birth is one that will bring benefits to you, your baby and your family for a long time to come.
Are you in the Greater Sudbury area, including French River, St. Charles, Markstay-Warren and Espanola? I would love to meet with you to discuss how my support could work for you!
Coming up next: How the doula difference leads to increased confidence – both in labour and birth, and postpartum