How Birth Doulas Help Clients Adapt to Changes in Circumstances, Clinical Care, and Client Preferences During Labor

Abstract

This study examined how doulas adapt to challenges in client's labors. There were 104 Canadian and 92American doulas who responded to a survey distributed at a doula conference. We report results from openended questions in which doulas describe how they manage changes deviating from the mother's birth plan and how they navigate differences of opinion between themselves and providers. Four themes emerged: giving nonjudgmental support, assisting informed decision making, acting as a facilitator, and issues with advocacy. Although 30% of doulas said that advocacy and information giving could result in confl ict with providers, doulas reported working within their scope of practice and striving to be part of the team. Issues in doula responsibility and patient advocacy remain, and ongoing role clarifi cation is needed.

Doula support in office hysteroscopy: results from a pilot study

“…A doula accompanied the participants throughout the procedure, starting from the moment the patient registered at the front desk of the hospital and ending when they left the clinic. In line with documented elements of doula support in the childbirth context [14], the doula in the present study aimed to provide: (a) attention to physical comfort; (b) emotional support (praise, reassurance, encouragement, and continuous presence); (c) information sharing (nonmedical advice, explanation of policies and procedures, anticipatory guidance) and (d) advocacy (facilitation of communication between the woman and hospital staff to assist in making informed decisions). The doula was qualified, had 12 years of experience as a doula, and was employed as an assistant nurse at the clinic.…”

Doula Support in Office Hysteroscopy: Results From A Pilot Study

“…A doula accompanied the participants throughout the procedure, starting from the moment the patient registered at the front desk and ending when they left the clinic. In line with the elements of doula support in the childbirth context [13], the doula in the present study aimed to provide: a) attention to physical comfort; b) emotional support (praise, reassurance, encouragement, and continuous presence); c) information sharing (nonmedical advice, explanation of policies and procedures, anticipatory guidance) and d) advocacy (facilitation of communication between the woman and hospital staff to assist in making informed decisions). The doula was quali ed, had 12 years of experience as a doula, and was employed as an assistant nurse at the clinic.…”

Atenção individual e coletiva à saúde materna e infantil no cenário brasileiro

“…As mães podem não ter clareza sobre o quanto uma doula pode advogar em seu nome, algumas doulas podem não ter clareza sobre estratégias para engajar o profissional de saúde no desejo das parturientes ou mesmo entender o papel da doula (ANRÃO et al, 2014). Vale ressaltar que a atuação da doula consiste em um quadro múltiplo de saberes e práticas, inseridos e um amplo acervo de cuidados terapêuticos .…”

“…As doulas relataram que elas se sentiam obrigadas a mostrar respeito e honrar as escolhas das parturientes sobre os preconceitos pessoais ou crenças sobre o nascimento. Dando apoio sem julgamento, auxiliando na tomada de decisão informada e atuando como uma facilitadora são pedras angulares do cuidado e expressando fortemente os valores compartilhados das doulas (ANRÃO et al, 2014). Embora, indiscutivelmente, os cursos de formação informem o papel de uma doula, outras fontes podem exercer influência sobre como o papel é entendido.…”

“…Elas são treinadas para fornecer apoio contínuo, dar medidas de conforto e ajudar seus clientes a tomar decisões informadas. Mães apoiadas por doulas demonstraram interações mais afetivas com seus recém-nascidos, menos ansiedade e sentiram que a doula teve uma influência positiva em sua experiência de nascimento (ANRÃO et al, 2014).…”