What is a birth doula from the Doula Academie?
Many pregnant women are afraid of losing control during the birth of their baby in hospital. With the right knowledge, this isn't necessary. Doula's trained at the Doula Academie specialize in childbirth a clinical setting and help women overcome their potential fear of a medicalized birth of their baby.
An Doula from the Doula Academie can facilitate women to gain confidence in the childbirth process. She sees childbirth as an opportunity for happiness, not a risk of failure, whether it happens at home or in the hospital. What matters most to a birth doula from the Doula Academie is that her client feels seen and heard but above all, supported by everyone!
The Doula Academie sees it as it's mission to offer professional training of (new and experienced) doulas in the Netherlands. An doula from the Doula Academie can provide appropriate care based on individual cases. She applies clinical knowledge combined with specific communication skills so that she can facilitate optimal connection between her client and the healthcare provider.
Why is clinical knowledge this important? Giving birth is completely natural, right?
Pregnant women and their partners who are guided by a Doula from the Doula Academie immediately experience the added value. Thanks to the clinical knowledge of a Doula Academie birth doula, you increase your chances of a positive childbirth experience in a hospital setting. You don't have to avoid any scenario, and you are presented with all the options within your possibilities. A doula trained by the Doula Academie can help facilitate optimal communication between the medical caregiver and you as her client. Your partner can then fully focus on you, so that together, you can experience the journey to parenthood as positively as possible.
Especially if you had a completely different birth scenario in mind and suddenly find yourself giving birth in the hospital, an Doula Academie birth doula can make a huge difference. For a Doula Academie birth doula, every childbirth is unique. Whether it's at home in a bathtub or in the hospital with an epidural, she is there for you. Your birth matters!
The Doula Academie mission statement
The Doula Academie is convinced that knowledge of pathology leads to a deeper understanding of physiology.
In other words; if your doula is familiar with all possible scenarios and protocols specific to you as a pregnant woman under hospital care, you only need to focus on what is important to you and your partner. A powerful childbirth experience where you feel optimally and continuously supported.
A doula is often described as a 'female servant' being translated from ancient Greek. The Doula Academie prefers to describe it differently: a doula trained by the Doula Academie is 'she who guides.' Your flashlight, illuminating your path so you can take deliberate steps towards becoming happy parents.
More information about the Doula Academie can be found at www.doulaacademie.nl.
Why are there even Doula Angels necessary?
The Doula Angels are a special team of certified Birth Doulas assembled by the Doula Academie, available on call for all pregnant women from a specific midwifery practice. They come into action when a pregnant woman needs to give birth in the hospital and desires additional support. This is particularly important because your familiar midwife cannot stay with you, and you do not know who will be attending to you in the hospital.
Doula Angels work together in a team to manage the continuous on-call status (for both last-minute and scheduled clients) while balancing their own doula practice, family or other commitments. A Doula Angel comes into play when you are transferred into hospital care. This can occur either during your pregnancy (around 36 weeks) or when you are already in labour. A unique concept!
You and your partner will receive optimal support. The full team of healthcare professionals always wishes you, your partner, and your baby the most positive birthing experience within your possibilities. By adding a birth doula to your birth team you can be sure of continuous and personal support tailored to your needs, where others need to divide their attention and cannot be on your back and call all the time.
What is the difference between a midwife and a doula?
Your midwife is medically responsible for your health and that of your baby. She is trained to safely guide you and your baby, whether at home, in the birthing center or in the hospital on an outpatient basis. She aims for a positive, holistic birthing experience and will do everything possible to prepare you and your partner the best way possible. A midwife would ideally provide continuous support.
However, the moment you go to the hospital to give birth, your care is transferred to a medical resident, a clinical midwife, or a gynaecologist (in training). Did you know that approximately 80% of women pregnant with their first child in the Netherlands give birth in the hospital under the guidance of someone other than their 'own' midwife or midwifery practice?
A birth doula is there for you and your partner. She serves no purpose other than to support you and does not need to worry about or interfere with clinical procedures. However, because she understands what is happening, she can make the clinical path more navigable for you and your partner. She reduces stress, explains protocols and procedures again if necessary. She helps you with your breathing and explains to your partner how to provide the best support with massage, changes in position, or simply a wet washcloth on your forehead.
A birth doula never takes on the role of the partner; she is an intricate part of the team of caretakers; aiming for the most ultimate childbirth experience possible within the boundaries of the protocol.
