Doula/Childbirth Educator vs. Pelvic Physical Therapist
By: Dr. Bridget Ochuko
Doulas, also known as childbirth educators, are known to be impactful and positive partners in the birth space. They can also provide so much more than support only during the labor and delivery stages. As a pelvic physical therapist, I have extensive knowledge regarding pregnancy, childbirth and recovery – particularly regarding the musculoskeletal components. As a childbirth educator, I have also gained training in an entire world of pregnancy-related factors that us as medical providers sometimes don’t thoroughly address with our pregnant and postpartum folks. So let’s start with the base question…
What exactly is a Doula?
According to DONA International, the leader in evidence-based doula training, certification, and continuing education, a doula is defined as “a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to their client before, during, and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.”
- Doulas provide valuable non-clinical advice and guidance to the birthing person’s partner to be active and impactful participants throughout the process.
- Doulas help birthing people experience improved physical and psychological outcomes that affect both birthing person and baby, with these positive impacts extending to the entire family as well.
- Doulas provide information on comfort measures in action and alternative remedies available to further support birthing people.
- Doulas understand hospital procedures and policies that are common during labor and delivery and put that information in the hands of the birthing person.
- Doulas provide education and guidance on developing a birth plan and preparing for labor and delivery (including dysfunction that may come with pregnancy and labor).
- Doulas provide information on newborn tests and screens performed in the hospital, postpartum recovery and nutrition, and even basic lactation education.
What is the Goal of Childbirth Education?
- More than anything, the overall focus of childbirth education is empowerment. My job is to give you the knowledge to feel safe, comfortable, and confident in all the decisions you make throughout your pregnancy, labor, and delivery. My job is to help reduce the fear and anxiety that can be associated with having a baby. My job is to give you the opportunity to have the best possible birthing experience.
Coming back home to Atlanta, I wanted to find a way to incorporate being a doula and childbirth educator into my work as a pelvic therapist. Kemper Pelvic Physio is the perfect place for that. Beth, Megan, and Laura have already been providing expert pelvic health care to the community. With the addition of my skills to the clinic, we are able to serve pregnant and postpartum patients within an even larger scope. As a doula and pelvic PT, I provide both physical treatment and extensive childbirth education to guide you through this experience. I am honored and excited to be a part of this team, and I look forward to guiding people through their own beautiful pregnancy and postpartum journeys.
