What is a Doula?
Doulas assist in supporting a new family through the life-changing journey of having a baby; just like travel guides help you understand the ways of living and make you feel at ease in a foreign country you are visiting.
In the past 25 years there has been extensive scientific research on the role and profession of a doula, and their benefits. This research was categorized in the fields of socio-cultural, sociological and anthropological research, as well as evidence-based research and was also collected in Cochrane library, "a database of systematic reviews and meta-analyses which summarize and interpret the results of medical research".
Malta Doula Association entrusts in the information and research provided by Evidence Based Birth - "a non-biased source with the most current evidence-based information on pregnancy and childbirth". On their website, you can find more information and evidence on why doula care is so effective.
A doula is a "trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible."
- DONA international, 2020
There are three categories of doulas working around pregnancy, birth & postpartum:
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Birth Doulas - These doulas work with women during the antenatal and labour/birth period.
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Postpartum Doulas / Postnatal Doulas - These doulas work with women after the birth, and serve them during the first weeks of postpartum.
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Full Spectrum Doulas - These doulas cover the full spectrum from pregnancy until postpartum; most of them also assist women during or after the process of miscarriage.
By providing continuous support through pregnancy, birth and beyond, doulas positively impact the childbearing experience for women and their families and reaffirm women's ability to give birth.
Doula care is tailored to the individual needs of a mother, which is determined through pregnancy as the doula and mother/couple build a relationship. Doulas are highly supportive of the midwifery model of care and together with the midwives can form an effective team for the mother.
Doulas, unlike midwives, do not perform clinical or medical tasks, diagnose medical conditions or give medical advice. Because a doula is employed directly by you she is an independent source of support and is there solely for your benefit.
We believe all childbearing women have the right to receive information, care and support in their pregnancy, birth and postpartum period.
- the Malta Doula Association
Full Spectrum Doulas
A full spectrum doula is professionally trained to provide support, encouragement, informational and practical help to the mother and her family as prepare for birth, postpartum and life with baby.
Full spectrum doulas can also be hired when things do not go as planned. When you miscarry, have a baby pass in utero later in pregnancy, when you are a single mother who had hoped for support of their partner, etc.
What you can expect from full spectrum doula:
• Emotional support (continuous support, reassurance and encouragement)
• Informational support (information gathering, explanation of procedures)
• Physical support (comfort measures, massage, physical support, relaxation and positioning etc.)
• Provide in-home care from birth up to three months, depending on your needs.
• Meet once before the due date.
• Be on-call two weeks before the due date and be available to begin service 48 hours after birth.
• Create a package to suit your individual needs (e.g. 4 hours a day, 4 days a week).
Postpartum doulas provide great support and assistance as the new parents begin their journey into parenthood.
Each woman and each pregnancy, birth and postpartum period is very different. Full spectrum doulas are there for you every phase of the journey.
Birth Doulas
A birth doula is a professional birth assistant who, during pregnancy and birth, provides:
• Emotional support (continuous support, reassurance and encouragement)
• Informational support (information gathering, explanation of procedures)
• Physical support (comfort measures, massage, physical support, relaxation and positioning etc.)
During pregnancy you will have developed a relationship with your doula. She will come over to your house during the early stages of labour if you wish, remain with you during labour and birth, and usually for at least an hour afterwards to help establish breastfeeding as required.
At a minimum you can expect from your birth doula:
• At least one antenatal appointment
• Ongoing phone / text / e-mail contact
• On call 24/7 for two weeks before your estimated birth date until the birth (unless otherwise agreed)
• Attend you in your home in labour if you wish
• Transfer with you to hospital and remain with you until at least one hour after the birth
• One postpartum visit (usually at home)
Postpartum/Postnatal Doulas
A postpartum doula is professionally trained to provide support, encouragement, and practical help to the mother and her family as they adapt to their new roles and circumstances in the “Fourth Trimester”, or the first months after the birth.
A postpartum doula “mothers the mother”, providing a sympathetic ear and companionship, non-judgmental support and evidence-based information, along with very practical support. The doula nurtures the mother so she can better nurture her baby and helps the family adjust to their “new normal”. She offers infant soothing and coping skills, enabling parents to build their confidence and connect with their new babies.
You can expect your postpartum doula to:
• Provide in-home care from birth up to three months, depending on your needs.
• Meet once before the due date.
• Be on-call two weeks before the due date and be available to begin service 48 hours after birth.
• Create a package to suit your individual needs (e.g. 4 hours a day, 4 days a week).
Postpartum doulas provide great support and assistance as the new parents begin their journey into parenthood.
Each woman and each pregnancy, birth and postpartum period is very different. Doulas are very respectful of this and so will work together with you to individually tailor your care to your own specific requirements.
