Virtual Doula Support During COVID-19

We’ve been working hard these last couple of weeks to keep up with the latest information, to research and brainstorm the best possible ways we can continue to support clients if we can’t be near them in proximity. Let’s face it, that’s what doulas are most known for… The in-person, physical, support we provide women and their families whether during birth or after mom and baby come home.

But here’s the thing, we do so much more!

Beyond the hip squeezes, the position changes, the breathing techniques, the baby swaddling, and meal prep, there are vastly deeper layers to doula support. If you’ve ever worked with a doula, you know. It’s not just her physical presence that can cause a shift in your birth experience or your postpartum recovery (although that alone is quite powerful), it’s her knowledge and compassion too that instill confidence and calm.

The thing about informational support…

You’re probably already keenly aware of the immense amount of information out there regarding pregnancy, birth, and babies. We are too. The difference is that we aren’t taking in all of this information for the first time. We are birth professionals. This is our world! This is what we do. We read all of the latest books and articles. We participate in trainings and conferences. We subscribe to groups and organizations dedicated to birth. We are your filter, your guide. We’re able to take all of this information, ask you questions to understand your needs, and provide you with resources, education, and information pertinent to you and your family.

The thing about emotional support…

We all recognize the importance of mental health. In pregnancy alone, the hormonal shifts can cause incredible unease, not to mention what happens following baby’s birth! We get it. Really. Truly. We’ve been through it. We’ve ridden the waves with other women in pregnancy, in labor, and in the postpartum period. We’ve been through it ourselves. We recognize the need for emotional support when it seems no one else understands, or perhaps they just don’t know what to do to help. As doulas we make ourselves available to the families we serve at all hours so we can be that lifeline in the middle of the night when things seem scary. And in the birth space, we’re there. Giving you our heart so that you can find your strength when everything seems to be too much.

The thing is, we’re more than physical support. We’re doulas.

We realize this is an uncertain time for all of us, but perhaps most especially for women who are pregnant and families who are just getting to know a new little one. There are new fears, new anxieties, (in addition to all of the fears and anxieties you already had going into this parenting thing) and a very real need for separation from friends and family. Separation, not isolation.

The thing about virtual support…

We’re getting creative about the ways we can connect with our clients. Fortunately, we live in an era where we have remarkable access to technology. There might have been a time when we scoffed at the idea of virtual support as a poor substitute for in-person care. Now isn’t that time. We’re embracing the beauty of virtual platforms and remote support whole-heartedly!

Current and new clients can expect the same expert care with additional ways to connect with us over voice, text, and video. Our client portal will continue to be a means of communication with increasing opportunities for building birth and baby preparation materials. What’s more, we are now offering a private Facebook group where our clients can post questions to us and other Tree of Life Doula Care families, where we can upload the latest information and research, and where we can give access to education and resources.

Tree of Life Doula Care has always been mindful of the desire to bring our services to our clients, in their home, in their space, wherever they may be, in whatever way makes the most sense for them… With these methods in place, we can still do that, but in a slightly different way. Even though current circumstances may seem overwhelming, your experience can be a positive one. We are committed to helping make your journey go as smoothly as possible.

The thing is… We’re in it together!

Written by Kelli Stanley