What if I want doula's help during childbirth?

Did you know that there is such a thing like a professional partner during childbirth? Today at Manshuq we have it all explained - who doula is, what does she do and how can she help you.
Who doula is?
Doula, or a childbirth assistant, is a professional who provides psychological, physical, information and practical support to a woman before, during and after childbirth.
What exactly does doula do?
Doula's main goal is providing maximum comfort for woman in childbirth. Besides, doula can also do the following:

● help with preparations to childbirth and care afterwards;

● provide psychological, emotional support and encouragement during childbirth;

● know how to use natural pain relief methods, like different massage techniques, poses and movements, breathing exercises;

● assist woman with house chores that might be difficult for a woman during childbirth. For instance, bringing her a glass of water, getting her to the toilet, changing a body position, turning lights on or off, etc.;

● help making doctor's instructions clear.


The important role of doula is providing comfortable and calm environment around woman in childbirth and helps communicating with medical personnel and family members. Doula's goal is to make everyone around comfortable.

What are the benefits of childbirth with doula?
Research shows that having doula during childbirth significantly reduces risk of unplanned cesarean section, obstretic intervention, and increases likelihood of breastfeeding and overall childbirth satisfaction in women.
What doula does not do?
Doula has basic physiology knowledge to understand the childbirth process and be able to calm woman. But it is important to understand that doula is not a medical personnel. Responsibility for childbirth and its outcome bears medical personnel. Doula cannot interfere or carry out any medical processes, can not solely conduct delivery, including checking cervical opening and baby's heartbeat.
Can someone close act as a doula?
During childbirth support from close ones (like mother, spouse or a close friend) is welcome. However, unlike an experienced doula these people generally do not have childbirth support experience, required skills and may not know what to do in certain situations.
Can you learn to be a doula?
Doulas go through special courses to prepare for childbirth and most commonly are mothers themselves. A lot of doulas have education in psychology. In Kazakhstan there is an association "Assisting during childbirth. Doulas of Kazakhstan" that provides preparations courses.
When does doula meet with her patient?
Doula needs to meet with woman before childbirth at least twice, to understand her expectations better and to go over organizational issues. Sometimes doula visits hospitals along with her client to choose the most suitable one.


Doula arrives when childbirth starts and can either come to straight to the hospital or house. Most commonly doula spends time with woman at home until more regular contractions begin.

What documents to sign when hiring doula?
In Kazakhstan doulas sign a written contract. An important part of it is a questionnaire where clients informs about all allergies, illnesses, surgeries, psychological preferences, family contact information, etc.


When signing a contract it is important to discuss the following:

● Availability of another doula in case of unforeseen situation.

● Communication with doula - what time and how to contact doula before childbirth.

● If doula plans any trips before estimated delivery time.

● Where to meet once childbirth starts.

● Organizationsl issues (for instance, transportation to the woman's house if it is decided to meet there). 


Standard contract for delivery support includes availability of doula 24/7 after signing the contract. Usually doula limits a number of clients for a month. Therefore it is important to sign a contract in advance.

Who can be present during delivery besides a?
Legislation in Kazakhstan does not limit a number of partners during delivery. But hospitals usually only allow one partner. Private hospitals usually do not have these limits.
We would like to thank Olesya Livarenko, certified doula, member of Natural Parenthood Association of Ukraine, consultant for natural methods of family planning for consultaiton


Illustrations by Roman Zakharov

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