Yes. A doula can be a great support for all mothers.
A doula is a trained labor attendant. Many doulas are mothers themselves and find their calling to help guide mothers and families through their labor and birth experiences.
There are some doulas who believe that having a doula at a hospital delivery is more important than having a doula at a home birth. Similarly, there are doulas who believe that they can be more helpful to moms planning on having an epidural.
What are the roles of a doula
Doulas are not a replacement for a mother’s significant other, they are not a nurse, doctor, or midwife (though some are certified in other things or are medical providers). A doula’s primary role is to support the mother during her labor. This may include massage, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, hot rice bags or position changes. A doula also listens to what the mother is saying, answers her questions, provide reassurance, and make sure that the mother’s wishes are heard and acknowledged.
A doula can help a mother stay active in early labor so that when it is time for an epidural there is less of a chance that labor will slow down. Personally, I have had several mothers plan on epidurals and then end not needing it. This is because by staying active, labor is often shorter and there are many non-medical comfort measures that can be very effective.
A doula can help so that the baby can descend in good positioning, this can be tricky if the mother is restricted to bed after receiving an epidural.
One thing so many doulas say that , “Doulas protect the space”. What this means is that a doula can help keep a safe comfortable atmosphere, this can mean keeping lights low, playing music, encouraging others to whisper etc. This becomes especially important after an epidural is placed because too often birth becomes a medicalized event rather than the miracle it is.
A doula’s main job is to support the mother in making the best decisions based on what she needs, often this includes deciding on getting an epidural. Doulas are not there to judge a mom for choosing an epidural. Every mom is different and every birth is different.
Tricia Fitzgerald of Gentle Beginning points out that in the end, no matter the circumstances, a doula will be there to honor the mother on her journey, protect the space, and give the mother tools so she has the best possible birth.
Epidurals are a great tool, they can help an exhausted mom relax. They can help a mom stop fighting her body. For all the usefulness of epidurals there are some drawbacks, doulas can help explain these to mothers so they can make informed decisions.
Robin Ross of Blissful Births adds that there are times when an epidural does not work as planned, sometimes moms get relief on one side of their bodies and not the other. Sometimes moms have pain that is not relieved by the epidural. Doulas are amazing resources in these circumstances. Alternative methods for pain relief are a great help.
If a mother has a properly functioning epidural, she may have a hard time feeling the urge to push. Doulas like Tara Van Dyke of Family Way Chidbirth, can suggest a mom “labor down” so that the baby descends further, making pushing a little easier.
Often as a mom is approaching pushing, doulas will encourage a mother to turn the epidural down or not press the PCA (patient controlled anesthesia) button to deliver more medicine. This will allow her to feel the urge to push so she can push more effectively.
The pushing stage, particularly with an epidural, can be prolonged.
Doulas can be helpful to every mother no matter their circumstances. Many doulas use the saying that “ever mother deserves a doula” or that “a doula is for every mother”.