This module brings together learning and reflections from Modules 1-3 to explore how they can be put into practice through three phases of doula support: preparing for labour, during labour, and after labour.
Learning objectives:
Describe the various roles of the role of the doula when preparing for labour, during labour, and after labour.
Recognize the importance of relationship-building in decision-making with the care recipient.
Reflect on different things that the doula can bring to labour to support culturally safe care.
Understand the importance of different customs and traditions after labour, and the ways in which a doula can support their incorporation in the birth plan.
Identify different resources and supports that the care recipient and family may need after labour, and the ways in which a doula can facilitate these connections.
Outline of topics:
Preparing for labour – The key components of prenatal preparation, including: facilitation of prenatal care, establishing core values and plans for labour, and the need for relationships as a foundation for decision making.
During labour – The role of the doula during labour and what support for the care recipient and family may look like, and what a doula can bring to the labour to promote culturally safe care.
After labour – What doula support may look like after labour, and examples of traditions and customs that care recipients may want to incorporate into their plan. This includes close attention to the role of the doula in listening, giving space, and connecting families to needed resources.
