[Inductions] 5 Ways a Doula Can Help

Part 1 of 4 in the mini series “5 Ways a Doula Can Help”

Sometimes complications arise and things don’t go as planned…

Instead of spiraling out of control, let's make a new plan together! Whether you planned to have a doula as part of your birth team and are now concerned that with an induction, you won't be able to or if you didn't even consider having a doula by your side and are now worried about all of the unknowns, this article is for you!

So the short answer to your burning question “can I have doula support if I'm being induced?” is YES! Doulas are equipped to help whichever way your birth goes by being there to educate you on all that is to come as well as be there for you and your partner. 

First thing first: What is an induction?

An induction is anything done medically to help bring on labor when your body wasn’t there yet on its own. This can be achieved in multiple ways like a foley bulb which is a balloon catheter inserted in the cervix and inflated to help you dilate as well as with different medications. The most common medications for inductions are prostaglandins (such as misoprostol and dinoprostone) to get your cervix to soften and stretch in order to get labor going. From there, your obstetrician may introduce the hormone oxytocin to kick start contractions, the medication for this is pitocin and is administered through an IV.  Once labor has begun, if your doctor isn’t seeing much progress, they may ask you if it’s okay to rupture your membranes. To do that, they use a large hook called an amnihook that looks like a crochet hook, to puncture a small part of the amniotic sac. Once ruptured, labor tends to progress rather quickly if all other conditions are optimal. These are just some of the routes your doctor may choose to take to help get labor started.

Now, How can a doula help you during an induction?

1. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

   A change in your birth plan can be jarring, especially if the reasonings were out of your control. Inductions can be warranted for various different reasons and it may not have been your first choice. Having a doula by your side can help ease some of the worry you may be experiencing. A doula will validate your feelings while also helping you overcome the fear. A doula is for the whole family, so your partner's feelings and concerns are taken into account too! 

2. EDUCATION

   Doulas are well versed in birth, this may be YOUR first but it isn't ours! We have seen many different scenarios and are equipped with up to date knowledge. We will be able to keep you informed on what is happening, explain the options and will be there during the induction to provide continuous education and support. 

3. INFORMED DECISION MAKING

   Following the education portion is decision making. Knowing what is going on is essential to making the best decisions for you and your baby. Not only will a doula help educate you before the induction, your doula will be there during the process to encourage you to make the right decisions for you. That's not to say that a doula will choose for you, or tell you what to do. A doula will simply explain your options, help you ask the right questions to your care team and offer you the space to talk things over with your support person. A doula can easily help facilitate communication between you and your doctor and medical staff.

4. HELP POSITIONING AND PROGRESS

   A doula can help you stay moving throughout your labor. We can offer suggestions on different positions to help your body make progress. We will be there to assess if what you’re doing is helping you or if there is a more productive way to lay, walk or sit to help move things along. Sometimes you may feel like no progress is being made but your doula can encourage you by reminding you how far you’ve come along. We can also guide you through different pushing techniques and can suggest ones that may help you make more progress and feel more comfortable.

5. COMFORT MEASURES

   Speaking of getting you comfortable, this is another way a doula is extremely helpful during your induction! Ideally, you would have discussed your preferred comfort measures with your doula beforehand. In that case, she will be there to remind you what those were and help you use them. If the ones you thought would work aren’t or if you simply didn't have time to discuss in advance, your doula will come in fully equipped with ways to keep you comfortable. Since a doula will be with you throughout your labor, you’ll be more likely to stay active, which will help labor progress and ensure you can find a position that is right for you and your baby. 

So if you're facing induction, do not fear! 

A doula can still play a crucial role in your birthing experience. A doula's presence can empower you to take an active role in your birthing experience, ensuring that your voice is heard and your choices respected. Doulas provide continuous support throughout labor and birth, regardless of the circumstances, offering a consistent source of reassurance. Our support can help you navigate the unique challenges and emotions that induction may bring, ensuring that you feel informed, empowered, and well-cared-for throughout the process. Whether your birth plan includes induction or not, a doula's presence can make a meaningful difference in your journey to welcome your baby into the world.

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