As a first time mom to be, especially in the current healthcare climate, all of the uncertainties are leading to an incredibly (and potentially needlessly) stressful pregnancy.  With doulas not being classified as essential personnel I am faced with the possibility of not being able to have the support system that I have put in place to ensure a happy and as low stress delivery as possible. 

Currently, with the restrictions put in place with the Covid-19 pandemic only one support person is allowed to accompany a labouring mother to the hospital. This can be your partner (whoever you choose to be with you), or doula but not both.

A Birth 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.

A 2006 article in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing (JOGNN)  women report that the partner’s presence increased the meaning of their labor and delivery experience and strengthened their relationship. Women view their mere presence as special to birth. Yet, women ranked doulas, over their partners in terms of the quality of support they received. Numerous studies show that having a doula present improves medical outcomes, even when a partner is present for labor and birth. Including a 50% reduction in cesarean births, 60% reduction in epidural and pain relief requests, 40% reduction of induction and intervention rates. All which removes those additional stresses to our currently over stressed health care system. 

Differences can be seen in the behaviour between doula and partner during labor. Doulas  will stay closer to the mother, within a foot of the woman 85% of the time, and spend significantly more time touching them. While fathers were only within one foot about 28% of the time, and contact was usually limited to hand holding. The doula also allows partners to take breaks (mentally or physically knowing that the birthing mother is still ebing cared for). They provide answers to non medical questions, breastfeeding advice and support,  as well as, give guidance regarding what is normal during birth, and support to the partner.

There are many reasons why partners may feel unable to meet all the needs of a laboring woman. The doula acts as a role model, showing partners specific ways to help the laboring woman. Many partners express relief at the prospect of having a doula to share the coaching duties for which they feel unprepared.

"Before this pandemic, doulas were considered an integral part of the care team for birthing families, and should continue to be regardless of the current situation. Expecting families are under a greater deal of stress and depriving them of the support they feel they need not only makes the transition to parenthood more difficult but may also result in poorer outcomes for the family."             - NSDA