There is an interesting controversy in the birth world these days and it’s all over virtual doulaing. I was a little surprised myself when I recently listened to a few podcasts on the topic. It really intrigued me because last spring, a few months into the global pandemic, I posted the option of virtual birth doula service on my website. I never had any intention of expanding into the virtual world, but my heart hurt so badly for those expectant parents who were being told they couldn’t have in-person support during their birth, regardless of money paid or signed contracts, especially at a time when SO many things were uncertain for them. There was little to no information on how the virus may affect them individually, their baby, their desire to breastfeed, or the labour and birth process itself. My goal was to offer some reassurance and consistency at a time of higher than normal vulnerability.
Eventually, I reconsidered if this option of birth doula support was really viable, and if it was an option potential clients were even interested. I asked some questions of colleagues and got some surprising responses. Their views and experience was something quite different from what I had conceptualized of virtual support. So, what’s the controversy?
Birth doula work is a combination of informational, mental, emotional, and physical support prior to and throughout the birthing process. We typically employ a variety of methods of communication with our clients including email, text, phone, and face to face meetings. Three of these four areas of support can be done just as easily from a virtual setting as in-person. I am truly thankful for technology that gives me the ability to connect with my clients in so many ways! But how can a birth doula offer virtual physical support? This is a BIG question because physical support is arguably the most important aspect of birth support.
Having the consistency of one support person on the birth team is often the key to experiencing the advantages of doula support. Not only do we provide hands on support in the form of pressure, massage, simple touch, and “gophering” needed/wanted items, we often teach partners how to do the same. Typically, we teach comfort measures prior to labour in prenatal meetings, but honestly, much of that is forgotten by the birthing parent and partner in the midst of labour! There’s usually a lot going on. It’s common for a birth doula to gently remind and show partners what and when to provide comfort measures throughout the labour and birth process. It’s also the main way we support the partner so they can help the labouring person!
Is the physical support a birth doula gives during labour doable from a virtual context? Yes! It’s especially realistic when it is part of the birth plan, a focus of prenatal meetings, and the expectant parents practice suggested comfort measures. Doulas can absolutely give virtual suggestions and reminders of movement, massage, pressure, and the encouragement to communicate with the medical team. And from my experience, it is particularly helpful to have “eyes” on the room, rather than time-consuming texts and phone calls. Many doulas have a way of reading the room and clients that they think is “magical”. Honestly, it’s part instinct, part experience, and part connection with the client. But you can call it magical.
Will a virtual experience be the right choice for every birthing couple? No. It will depend on the doula’s, clients’, and medical team’s expectations. It’s definitely a conversation that needs to be had with your provider, as a couple, and the doula you are interviewing before signing a contract. But while we continue to ride the wave of ever-changing restrictions and medical allowances for how many support people there can be in Labour and Delivery units, I believe it’s definitely an option worth exploring!
