The accompaniment during the birth is realized for centuries. In the old days, this knowledge was transmitted between the women of the same community in order to retain this expertise acquired by word of mouth. Formerly, these women made sure to remain at the bedside of the future mother in labor in order to encourage her, while caressing her to comfort her. They also brought her food, drinks and wet towels.
Today, the work of the doula consists in continuing the teachings received in the past in order to guide mothers and their families during the perinatal period, that is to say before the birth of the child, during childbirth and once the baby is born. The doula, through various prenatal meetings, informs the client and her family about diet, physical health, sexuality, women's rights at birth, different phases of childbirth, medical interventions during and after childbirth, the professional resources available in perinatal care and the positions that can be adopted during labor.
The doula ensures a postnatal return to the couple to discuss the delivery and to give them advice on breastfeeding and feeding during this period. She will be able to give, during this return, exercises of fitness. All doula receive a basic training which they are free to improve thanks to various courses offered by certain perinatal organizations. In addition, the doula's background, academic and personal, will be beneficial for each of its accompaniments.
According to the Quebec Association of Doulas (QAD), the presence of a companion allowed the reduction of:
50% risk of caesarean,
60% administered epidurals,
40% use of forceps,
30% use of painkillers and
40% use of Pitocin
Accompaniment through the years
Thus, the doula has the mission of supporting the couple during the pre and post natal period, while being present during childbirth. She becomes, in a way, the confidante and protector of the couple's values towards themselves and their future child. She ensures logistical support before and during childbirth while ensuring that both the mother and the father can feel in control and confident during this wonderful project.