What is a Doula and what is its function

The doula has the function of accompanying the pregnant woman during the period of pregnancy, delivery and postpartum period. This word is of Greek origin, and means "serving woman, " because of its role of supporting, encouraging, offering comfort and emotional support at this time.

Although it is not a health professional, and its operation facilitates the existence of a more humanized delivery, since it is common for the woman to feel helpless at this time. In addition, it is common for doulas to advocate the most natural childbirth possible, as a minimum of medical interventions.

However, it is important to remember that despite the capacity and preparation for deliveries, the doula does not have enough knowledge to intervene should complications arise or situations that endanger the health of the mother or baby, it is therefore recommended that no childbirth without the presence of the health professional, such as obstetrician, pediatrician and nurse. Find out how any woman can be entitled to a humane delivery, even in the hospital.

What is its function?

The doula's main functions are:

• Provide guidelines and facilitate preparation for childbirth;
• Encourage normal childbirth;
• To remove doubts and to diminish anxieties related to the birth and the life of the couple with the new baby;
• Suggest ways to relieve pain, through positions or massages;
• Provide emotional support before, during and after childbirth;
• Support and assistance regarding baby's first care.

In this way, the presence of the doula, both at home and in the hospital, can favor the reduction of pregnant anxiety, pain, besides facilitating a calm and welcoming environment. Check how the birth at home happens, the risks and what women can do.

Care to be taken

Despite the benefits, it is important to remember that the presence of doula does not replace the role of health professionals, such as obstetricians, pediatricians and nurses, since they are the only ones able to act in the event of complications or urgency during childbirth. not common, may occur during any delivery.

In addition, some doulas may discourage procedures that are considered important by physicians, such as monitoring the baby's vital signs and not using silver nitrate or vitamin K, for example. Performing these procedures is necessary and recommended by the doctors as they are done as a way to reduce the risk to the health of the mother or baby.

In addition, postpartum delivery or prolongation of labor beyond the time recommended by physicians can bring severe sequelae and risk of death during childbirth. Know in which situations it may be necessary to induce labor.