It’s World Doula Week!
The word “doula” comes from the Greek word meaning a woman who serves. Doulas have been helping women give birth in their homes for centuries and the idea of a “professional” doula arose in the 70s and 80s to help women with birth support in modern times. Today, doulas are available for support throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
The purpose of World Doula Week (WDW) is to empower doulas all over the world to improve the physiological, social, emotional, and psychological health of women, newborns and families in birth and in the postpartum period.
There are so many benefits of having a doula present in birth and postpartum:
- Reduces the incidence of c-sections
- May shorten the length of labor
- Reduces epidural and analgesic requests
- Increases breastfeeding initiation and continuation
- Increases mother’s satisfaction of birth experience
- Can reduce the incidence of postpartum mood disorders
- Increases new parents’ confidence in the care of their newborn
We chatted with a few doula friends of ours, Nicole Sessions, Lauren Veca, and Jeanine Rogers to discuss what it looks like to improve the holistic health of women, inequality in health care, and more!
Jeanine Rogers
IG @lovinglylatched and @moments_matter
In your experience, why is it important for moms to have the support they need during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum? And what should this support look like in your opinion?
Everyone has heard the saying, “It takes a village”. Though most just think that saying is specific to rearing the child, it’s important to change the narrative and include the birthing/lactating person. It’s not until recently that birthing persons have started to become more vocal on the mental struggles that come with birthing a tiny human. Sleepless nights, mood swings, aching bodies are all a part of the constant conversation we hear, but what about the domino effect of the “Oh girl that comes with being a parent” convo? The anxiety, hair loss, acne, depression, engorged chest. Being a parent now requires a filter to help birthing persons navigate the overwhelming amount of information that seems to always silently scream, “Hey you, I see you doing a good job, but you’re not doing good enough.”
The importance of having a Doula changes that narrative to put YOU THE BIRTHING PERSON at the center of positive care. Understanding that your tiny human cannot thrive if you are not surviving! Driving the message of YOU ARE ENOUGH! Educating you throughout your pregnancy to learn to focus on maintaining peace and clarity to support your hormonal body. There is more to birthing a baby than labor, it takes a village!
Can you tell me more about your doula practice?
In my doula practice I like to focus on education, advocacy, and counseling. My schedule with my clients follows the same schedule as the birthing persons OBGYN appointments. Typically, I like to have my meetings before their scheduled appointment to make sure my client is prepared with questions and feel supported in their decision regarding the handling of their opinions.
One main benefit I offer my clients is guidance on FMLA, maternity leave, and short-term disability leave. Unlike many people in the birthing community, I have experience working in the corporate world. I know what questions to ask HR to get a better understanding of how long you can stay home and be paid. More importantly, how much you’ll be paid. This is so families can be as best prepared financially on how life will be once their tiny human arrives earth side.
What are some of your favorite practices, tips or tricks to share with moms when you’re supporting them?
I love this question because you think it’s going to be this mind blowing Millennial Mom answer soaked in tech. Welp surprise, you’re right! DELIVERY FOOD GIFT CARDS!!! There will be a moment or several in your fourth trimester where no one feels like cooking or going to the grocery store. Especially if you’re a lactating person, you may not feel ready to be alone with your baby just yet and ask that your supportive person not leave the house. Adding these gift cards can take a lot of stress off the table. Also, adding items that aid in your vaginal healing can help everyone in your supportive village understand that you are putting your body’s healing in a place of priority. Items like overnight pads, sitz baths, and disposable diapers.
I’ve noticed in my personal circles a rise in wanting home births or choosing birthing centers over hospitals. Why do you think that is? And do you think this is a good trend?
This question is so much deeper than how it is presented.
Black and brown bodies were not legally accepted into hospitals in the states until 1965. Let that really sink in. So, what were black (gender assigned) birthing bodies doing before then? They trusted their bodies and their babies at the hands of black midwives. These elders were staples in their community- delivery babies, treating sick, healing wounds, and advising on lactation support. It’s through the hard work and wisdom of these elders that helped build the foundation of maternity care in America. So, what happened to these women? They were forced out of their practice through the laws of Jim Crow and White Supremacy. Many of the elders could not read nor write and were told, even after they taught many of the white nursing staff their traditions and knowledge, that if they were caught practicing midwifery they would be fined and jailed. So a lot of these elders were pushed into the shadows, forced to give up a commitment to a divine calling. This now leaves the community of people they once served to be funneled into hospitals.
There is a lot more information Millennial birthing people know about how black and brown bodies have been treated in modern American hospitals.
- Black women are more than three times more likely to die than white women
- 54% White health care professionals believe black bodies do not feel pain as bad as white bodies
- Black and Brown persons are more likely to have CPS called on them for advocating for themselves and their babies in hospitals
- Black and Brown bodies are more likely to be drug tested without consent
- Black and Brown bodies are not listened to in hospitals as often as white birthing bodies
These are just a drop in the bucket of all the disparities communities of color face regarding pregnancy and childbirth. So, in knowing all of this, why wouldn’t we choose to honor our elders and take the more ancestral route in order to protect our lives and the lives of our babies! We know the statistics, and guess what… the math is mathing and delivering at the hands of a midwife with the support of a doula, all who look like us seems to be the safest path.
Can you share experience you have in regards to mental health and pregnancy support?
I remember it was one morning I was on my way to work, my husband driving me, and there was a radio host speaking of the time the officer held his knee on George Floyd’s neck. I asked my husband to turn it off, change the station. In that moment he couldn’t understand why I didn’t want to hear it. It wasn’t because news of his murder was everywhere, it’s because I knew that I was pregnant and with a boy. While I had no clue what he would look like, I knew that I loved him immensely and unconditionally. I knew that no matter his skin tone, he was going to be viewed as other. All of a sudden I was sick with anxiety that my son could one day be viewed as a threat before his name is asked. He could be profiled and killed!
My body started responding to this through my vision. I had a constant twitch in my eyelid for two weeks before I spoke to my midwife about it. “Oh honey you’re stressed” is what she told me. The stress of being a black woman working in a white male dominated world. The stress of carrying another child of color. The stress of worrying about my husband driving at night. The stress of the country that my child will be born into. In speaking with my Doula and in my continued conversations with my midwife, I was instructed to “protect my peace”. That while a lot of the things I’m seeing on the news or on social media may not have a direct impact on me, subconsciously all of this was a trigger of generational trauma. It was then that decided that I would only engage with things that made me giggle from the deepest places of my preggo gut! Read material that made me laugh and cry happy tears that were brought on by a celebration of joy and love. Most importantly, stay off social media!
We may not notice it, but your pages will start to shift to reflect the trimester of your pregnancy. How birthing persons are targeted can be devastating to their mental health. Learning how to control your controllables and protect your peace is important, it’s mandatory!
What does holistic care look like to you?
Holistic care looks like patience and validation. Birthing bodies need patience and validation. Our bodies do not need to be rushed in appointments, labor, and healing. We need to be listened to and have our feelings, fears, and traumas listened to. To have our bodies respected and asked for consent. To be treated with dignity. To be handled gently. We are a portal and a bridge. We deserve to be celebrated… not tolerated!
Lauren Veca
IG @laurenveca
In your experience, why is it important for moms to have the support they need during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum? And what should this support look like in your opinion?
Back in the day when women were giving birth and during the postpartum period, they were surrounded by family, and by their elders. When I am supporting new parents I like to help guide them and use my experiences to help them on their journey.
This support should be kind, gentle and coming from a place of love and patience. From letting them know everything they are feeling through labor and birth is normal, to making sure they are taking care of themselves, eating right, and resting when the baby is sleeping.
Can you tell me more about your doula practice?
I have been a Doula for the past 19 years. My practice changes with every new family. Learning to go with the flow of each individual’s needs is key and of course each babies’ needs. Every birth is different – Home Birth, Birthing Center Birth to Hospital Birth, spontaneous labor to inductions. Some clients want a totally unmedicated birth, some want a bit of both and some know they will be wanting an epidural. The same goes for postpartum work. I’m there to support and guide through all stages.
What are some of your favorite practices, tips or tricks to share with moms or partners when you’re supporting them?
I bring essential oils, a hot water bottle, battery operated candles and honey sticks to births. I love bringing a Tortilla Espanola on my first postpartum visit! It can be eaten hot, cold, I can fill it with spinach and its great protein. I believe in swaddling and baby wearing.
A big topic of conversation right now is the disparities in health care for pregnant black women. Can you share more about your experience in this area?
Unfortunately Racial Disparities impact pregnancy and also increases the risk of preterm labor for women of color. This is an age old problem and we are now finally talking about it and documenting these outcomes. I have witnessed this first hand at one of my early births back in New York. They dismissed my client when questions were asked, explanations were not given, follow up care was awful, as was her prenatal care. I was there to help and guide and use my voice and help give them the strength to use theirs. But not every woman can have a doula with them. Giving back is what we need to do. Voices need to be heard, care needs to be so so so much better. The louder we are about this without backing down, hopefully the quicker this will be addressed and go away forever. Hospitals and Doctors have to be accountable, legislation has to be put in place. It’s all horrifying.
What have you noticed or experienced, what can be done to solve the problem?
Unfortunately racial disparities impact pregnancy and also increase the risk of preterm labor for women of color. This is an age old problem and we are now finally talking about it and documenting these outcomes. I have witnessed this first hand at one of my early births back in New York. They dismissed my client when questions were asked, explanations were not given, follow up care was awful, as was her prenatal care. I was there to help and guide and use my voice and help give them the strength to use theirs. But not every woman can have a doula with them. Giving back is what we need to do. Voices need to be heard, care needs to be so so so much better. The louder we are about this without backing down, hopefully the quicker this will be addressed and go away forever. Hospitals and Doctors have to be accountable, legislation has to be put in place. It’s all horrifying.
What does holistic care look like to you?
Through Birth I believe in the breath, hip pressure, movement and of course ,essential oils, especially clary sage and drinking lots of water. I’m not big on medications and or antibiotics, for instance for thrush, I recommend yogurt, and apple cider vinegar and water. For mastitis I recommend staying in bed, drinking tons of fluids, and nursing your baby as much as possible. I always feel that less is more for parents and baby.
Nicole Sessions
IG @thesweetyogini
In your experience, why is it important for moms to have the support they need during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum? And what should this support look like in your opinion?
We live in a culture where we are somewhat disconnected from birth, which used to be in the home, where it was normalized and not very medical. Birth was overseen by midwives who often were connected to families through generations. In our modern maternity care system, things are much different, and our nervous systems play a huge role in how we perceive birthing and new parenthood. Having a trusted support person in all of these transitions can help you to demystify birth and postpartum processes, help you to familiarize yourself with the what to expect and what to look out for, help you to gain confidence, help you with education, advocacy, emotional and physical support.
This support could come from a trusted family member or from a trained professional. It should feel positive and safe. Informed consent is a great measuring tool here—if your support person is practicing informed consent, this is a green sign.
Can you tell me more about your doula practice?
I am a full spectrum doula which means I support people in pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy, through labor and birth, during postpartum and in non-birth outcomes. I also use herbs, yoga and Reiki in my practice.
What are some of your favorite practices, tips or tricks to share with moms or partners when you’re supporting them?
I think it’s important to encourage parents to find their own path. Taking stock of what’s important to you in terms of values and philosophy will help you to figure out your parenting style. Perhaps you had a really great role model in your own parent or grandparent or teacher. What do you want to emulate? What didn’t work for you? Getting clear on your own boundaries and desires for yourself and for your child will help ease the stress of decision making, too. Take others (unsolicited) advice with a grain of salt. You’ll find eleventy ways to do one thing on the internet. Do you research and then do what feels best to you, knowing that you are in charge of your experience. If you are partnered, communicate early and often. Therapy is really helpful if any of the parenting transitions feel rough or bumpy.
That’s not to be confused with doing things by yourself or on your own. On the contrary, community is key! We are social beings, and we need to lean on others for support, wisdom, connection and resources. The saying is overused but it’s true and timeless to me: “it takes a village.” We need to be nourished as parents in order to nourish a child. I’ve read that for an infant to thrive the ideal ratio is one infant to three adults. That ratio is likely not happening in most families. But it speaks to the physical, emotional and mental workload of raising a child. So, we must be willing and able to ask for and receive help, even if it’s not exactly how we envisioned it.
I’ve noticed in my personal circles a rise in wanting home births or choosing birthing centers over hospitals. Why do you think that is? And do you think this is a good trend?
As new parents-to-be are learning more about the possibilities for a more empowered, parent-centered birthing experience, more people are choosing home birth. I think this is a great trend, as the care in home birth is grounded in informed consent and allows for the birthing parents to take responsibility of their care, to co-create their experience with their birth teams as opposed to having a more passive role, as one might would in a hospital setting.
A big topic of conversation right now is the disparities in health care for pregnant black women. Can you share more about your experience in this area? What have you noticed or experienced, what can be done to solve the problem?
When I gave birth ten years ago, the black maternal health crisis was certainly happening, as it is not a new phenomenon, but it wasn’t as commonly known as it is now, in 2022. Despite this crisis being unnamed in 2012, I felt intuitively that I felt safer giving birth outside of the hospital system. This was based on medical racism I’d experienced living as a black woman. I was privileged enough to be able to give birth at a birthing center with the support of a doula, though this privilege is not afforded to all, as out-of-hospital care is widely not reimbursed by insurance plans and also, deservedly, quite expensive.
One solution, in my opinion, is more black healthcare providers, specifically black midwives and doulas. Black midwives and doulas are more likely to perform culturally competent care, to listen to warning signs and follow through with extra care if needed. In Los Angeles there are programs that provide free doulas for black women. In a perfect world, home births attended by black midwives would be subsidized and covered by insurance companies. A larger and more challenging fix is to dismantle systemic racism in the medical field. Medical racism is pervasive and spans a spectrum from misinformation in medical school textbooks to black women receiving less pain medication than white women. From black women having drug tests performed on suspicion of drug use while pregnant to white women being applauded for cannabis use for anxiety. These deep seeded attitudes and practices are a much more daunting problem to dismantle. In the meantime, it’s likely safer for a low risk black parent to birth with culturally competent, black healthcare providers in a non-hospital setting.
What does holistic care look like to you?
Holistic care looks like an appointment that encompasses the physical, mental and emotional health of a client or patient. Physical health is not just limited to weight and blood pressure checks. Diet and movement influence health, and the ability to look past a number on a scale, to see all of the pieces that influence the body’s wellbeing, is key. Empathy and trust are part of holistic care. Someone who feels seen and heard while sharing their concerns with their healthcare provider is more likely to tell the truth and to experience a regulated nervous system.
