Many times she can get caught up in the moment and not have the ability to make rational decisions. Having a doula can help to keep her grounded emotionally and a doula can be the stability to assure her the birth experience will go as she has planned, unless medical emergencies arise. The role of a doula is multifaceted. I will attend a prenatal visit to meet the doctor or midwife you have selected. Sometimes a doula can assist the mom in planning out the questions to ask her provider.
Many women feel intimidated by the medical community.
A doula can be there to offer moral support. She can help give emotional support and aid in building the confidence the woman has in asking difficult questions to her provider. I can become a liaison between the medical staff and help with communication between mom and her partner. A doula does not offer medical advice, but can help with the questions a couple may need to ask before complying with advice they may not understand facilitating a decision based on knowledge. I stay with the laboring mother throughout labor offering comfort measures- encouragement, massage, relaxation techniques, making suggestions along the way to aid in helping the mother stay comfortable.