Why is a Doula the perfect solution for millennial parents-to-be? – Zuzana Sokolová explains

“Doula is a woman…” Zuzka pauses, “That’s not sexism. But men just don’t do it,” she adds with a smile. “Doula is a woman who mentally supports another woman who wants to get pregnant, is pregnant, or in the puerperium.”

Millennials are taking advantage of doulas’ assistance more and more. It provides them with exceptional care during pregnancy, childbirth, and after childbirth. A doula offers support in unfamiliar situations, a source of information to make better decisions, and the opportunity to focus on beautiful moments of pregnancy without unnecessary worries.

However, the function of doulas is still often unclear or misunderstood. So Doula, Zuzka Sokolova, dispels the biggest myths and tells us what lies behind this profession. But first: how and why does a woman choose such an occupation?

“It seemed the doula said a lot of crap, and I became interested in figuring it out.”

When Zuzka first heard about them, she was on parental leave with her two sons. “The first season of Little Loves ran on television,” Zuzka begins, telling from my blank expression that she needed to elaborate, “It’s a docu-reality series about childbirth. In one episode, one of the women had a doula with her. What a moron, I thought,” Zuzka grins, “It seemed she said a lot of crap, and I became interested in figuring it out.”

The more Zuzka found out about the doula profession, the more it seemed like a great fit for her. “I’m a busy mother and a confidant. So my activities already had a pretty big overlap with the ones of a doula. It was normal for me to provide mental support to my friends. I’m always dealing with some pregnant woman who wants a piece of advice. And men call too.”

Birth stories have always attracted Zuzka. How did the mother-to-be feel during the birth? How did the birth go? How can some complications be prevented? She liked to analyze it from all angles. “That’s why the idea that I could make a living doing something I really enjoyed was so tempting.”

Doula training

Zuzka decided to follow this calling and become a doula. She chose Czech Doulas among schools in the Czech Republic because they offered the most extensive training. “I told them the story with that doula from Little Loves at the audition. They laughed a lot,” Zuzka entertains me. She was accepted into the two-year training.

“As far as I know, it’s the only program in the Czech Republic that is so long. The first year is about theory, including the law and physiology of childbirth. The second year is focused on practice. To complete the training, you must assist at three childbirths with supervision. Part of it is also sessions with a psychotherapist. There you look for obstacles that could prevent you from doing your profession,” Zuzka describes how to become a doula.

What a doula can and can’t do

One of the biggest myths about doulas is that they are midwives who perform home births. “That’s completely illegal,” Zuzka stresses. “A doula mustn’t perform childbirth, let alone at home. A doula doesn’t have a medical education. She isn’t a doctor, nurse, or midwife. She’s a mentor for female reproductive affairs. She offers pre-pregnancy and pregnancy support, childbirth support, breastfeeding assistance, and support for abortion or menopause.”

Zuzka emphasizes that it is important not to confuse a mentor with an advisor, “Of course, women often want advice. What should I do if… What should I choose? A doula isn’t there to tell anybody what to do. She is there to offer direction so that the women can decide for themselves. Doula then supports them in their decisions. For example, a client asks me if she should choose Bulovka or Vinohrady hospital for childbirth. I would clarify what her preferences are and tell her what each hospital offers. The decision is then up to her.”

“The most important thing is to meet the clients’ needs.”

The most important thing for Zuzka is that she caters to clients so that they feel safe, receive all the support they need, don’t hesitate to turn to her with any questions, and that everything turns out as they wish. “I am proud that I can also awaken an interest in the women’s partners. They then participate in birthing classes, listen, ask questions, and learn as much as possible. It makes a big difference when a guy helps his partner.”

“Clients are always very grateful. Even small things can be crucial for some couples. Sometimes I feel embarrassed because it seems like I haven’t done much, but I’m getting used to the fact that my support, the support of a doula, gives them peace of mind, and a sense of security.”

How does cooperation with a doula work?

Zuzka helps both Czech and English-speaking clients. You can contact her via Messenger or email and make an appointment with her. The first meeting is non-committal and free of charge. Its purpose is to get to know each other and find synergies. If the chemistry works, Zuzka will introduce you to what she can do specifically for you and agree on the scope of her support.

For example, the most popular package starts in the middle of pregnancy. The services include an escort to the birth. Around the date of birth, the doula is on call 24/7. She is in the vicinity of the expectant mother’s place of residence so that she can come at any time. This can last up to 4 weeks. The doula is then present at the birth and the whole time the mother is in the hospital. The doula provides support during breastfeeding and in the puerperium.

Capacity is limited, so contact Zuzka now

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