Delivery Room Etiquette
Wedding and delivery room etiquette blogs are becoming more popular for good reason. This blog goes right along with some of the benefits of hiring a doula to support you and your partner while you're giving birth to your baby. This blog was inspired by the above linked blog!
To Rest or Not to Rest
Your doula can give your partner a rest. Your doula actually helps both you and your partner to get sleep and rest that's beneficial through-out labor. yes, sleep and rest in labor. It looks different at different stages in labor and depending upon the couple's needs.
Phone Calls or Power Off
Your doula phones home! She can reply to text messages or stay with you while your partner steps away to update family and friends if that is needed. Your mom, mother in law, best friend, and sister all need an update. You don't have to choose, your doula is happy to help in several ways to support your birth experience!
Paparazzi or Nah
If you opt to not to have a professional photographer join your team in the delivery room your doula is happy to snap the pictures you want and leave off the rest. Sometimes support is holding your hand and helping you remain "in the zone" and sometimes it's getting pictures using your camera or phone, we have you covered!
Feeling Faint
Doulas are there to support your partner too, our top priority is to support you both in the way that is best for you specifically. That may look like hip squeezes and counter-pressure through a few contractions and getting your partner a cool glass of water and a fan in between.
Complaints or Compliments
Partners bust their ass! They are expected to be and do so much through pregnancy, labor and birth. Hold down the calls and texts, carry the bags, get your drink, hold your leg, stroke your skin, take care of older siblings, and stay awake. All of that with no complaints! They are amazing, but doulas are there so your partner can be an intricate part of the birth experience. With a doula there to support and help lighten the expected load your partner is able to attune to you and be "in the moment".
T.V. On or Off
Let's face it, if your partner is a sports fan and it's on television they may be apt to watch the game or at least the highlights. Perhaps it's the love of the game, or perhaps it's just needing a way to release and refocus. Doulas have you covered so mom is not alone when she needs support and you don't have to feel guilty for stepping away for 5 minutes.
Advocate or Support
The last piece to the "delivery room etiquette" puzzle: no one takes the birthing woman's voice from her. Her voice is powerful and can be a source empowerment for the mother. Often times people say my doula stopped my doctor from x, y, and z. Doulas have a non-medical scope of practice and we have one job, one very important, underestimated job. Our job is to support! Support, period. That is not to say we can't help the mother articulate with her own words her wishes and desire. We do not argue with care providers or "make sure" things are done as outlined. We will remind you of your wishes, validate your feelings, and help you find your own words!
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