The last two weeks have been such a whirlwind, taking us from our normal routines to a full shelter-in-place order. With this post, I hope to share information and strategies to support you in the weeks ahead.
Memorial Hospital, St. Joseph’s/Candler, and Winn Army Medical Center hospitals here in the Savannah area are currently only allowing one support person to accompany someone in labor. Unfortunately, this person cannot return to the floor if they leave, and can not switch out with other support people. The Midwife Group & Birth Center is allowing one support person, but includes a doula as a part of the care team in addition to that support person. These policies come from the best intentions of protecting families and their babies, but present challenges of their own.
My greatest concern at this time is postpartum mental health. We know that when we are in times of high stress, our bodies produce more cortisol. When cortisol levels are high, we are more likely to perceive events as traumatic. Birth trauma arises from real or perceived trauma in birth.
So what can we do?
There are a few ways your doula can help support you in your birth experience, even when they cannot be physically present in the delivery room.
1) Prenatal Support
So much of a doula’s work is in the prenatal period, where we help educate and empower our clients about their options in their care during pregnancy and birth. These meetings are used to answer questions, help you decide your birth preferences, learn comfort techniques, process fears, and so much more! The great thing is, these meetings can happen virtually! Your doula is a birth encyclopedia, cheerleader, and listening ear for you. I personally also offer standalone prenatal consultations to provide this support to any pregnant individual, even outside of my service area.
2) Labor Support
Wait, you just said you weren’t able to be in the delivery room? While this may be true, most labor support begins at home! In fact, medical professionals are encouraging families to labor at home as long as possible to reduce your risk of exposure. Doulas are of course experts in labor support, but what many people do not realize is that we can tell how far along someone is in their labor journey based on their emotions, coping strategies, and sounds - meaning that we can help you decide when to head to your birth location.
3) Virtual Support
Once you are at your birth location, your doula can continue to provide support via text, phone, or video chat. We can provide verbal, emotional, and spiritual support, as well as instructing the people who are with you physically in comfort measures to support your labor.
4) Postpartum Support
Similar to prenatal support, your doula is available to answer questions, educate on postpartum life and baby care, provide emotional support, provide encouragement, and referrals to other resources. Your postpartum time can be challenging, especially in this time of uncertainty and social isolation. Your doula can help you build a support network for you and your new family to help you thrive!
BONUS: Childbirth Education
In addition to being a doula, I am also a childbirth educator. I am now offering the same award-winning, evidence-based childbirth education series I teach in person as an online course! The course consists of podcasts, videos, a course journal, and live sessions with me to answer questions and learn comfort measures. Your course also includes access to Prepared Feeding, an infant feeding course taught by an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). Learn more here.
I hope this post serves to soothe some anxieties, and explains how your doula can still support you in this tumultuous time. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me!
