 The Purpose and Value of Labor Support The purpose of labor support is to make the birthing mother as comfortable and relaxed as possible to facilitate the natural process of birth. Understanding the birth process is key to eliminating the fear of the unknown. Fear begets pain and when the fear/pain cycle is broken by giving the mother the information she needs to feel secure and in control, then she can concentrate on relaxation techniques to ease the pain of labor. Medical interventions are less frequent when a mother is calm and laboring at her own pace; good emotional support is necessary to make her laboring environment feel safe and non-threatening. Labor support is essential to the total birth experience. Birthing mothers need explanations of medical procedures to keep them on track with their contractions. Emotional support during this vulnerable time is invaluable. Doulas are trained to give massage and other non-pharmacological pain relief measures. A labor support person can suggest different positions for laboring, such as rocking on a labor ball, squatting, or side lying, to name a few. The doula will coach the mother and her birthing partner with breathing and positions, visualization, and relaxation techniques. Hydrotherapy is another effective form of pain control and many women find great relief standing or sitting in a warm shower during labor. A labor assistant or doula strives to make the birthing environment comfortable. For example, if the mother feels better in a darkened room with a cooler temperature, the doula will see that the drape is drawn and the thermostat is turned down. As the mother’s advocate, a doula’s primary responsibility is to the comfort and safety of the laboring mother. A doula encourages the laboring mother, telling her what a great job she is doing of handling her contractions, reminding her to relax tense muscles. The labor support person goes through the entire labor and delivery with the mother, and remains with her for a few hours postpartum while breast-feeding is being established. A doula does not, however, provide medical or clinical services or speak for the couple. The labor support person may explain procedures that are being performed, but may not act unprofessionally at any time. Another labor support responsibility is to make certain the father is included in the labor process, suggesting ways in which to make his partner more comfortable throughout the labor. Birth is an incredibly bonding experience and one that will always be remembered. It is very important that the father and mother share this experience fully. A doula can give a father the tools to be an active participant in his child’s birth by guiding the father in comfort measures. I believe it is important that a labor support person be nurturing, and have a genuine love for people and the birth experience. Good communication skills are important, too, for the labor support person will be working closely with doctors and nurses during labor and delivery. A cooperative relationship with hospital personnel is essential to the ease and comfort of the laboring mother. The mother needs to know that she has a team with a common goal working for her to ensure the best possible outcome for her and her unborn child. The labor support person will make it a primary concern to understand the parents’ wishes or birth plan and to the best of her ability see that those wishes are known and respected by hospital caretakers. The value of labor support is immeasurable—a positive and lasting memory of the birth of a child is one of the greatest gifts one can be given. |
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