why should i hire a doula, and when?
“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”
It can be intimidating to invite an outsider into somewhere so intimate as your birth space. Labor and birth will find you in your most vulnerable moments and you need a community around you that you trust. Let’s start with this - what exactly IS a doula?
A birth doula is a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a birthing person and their partner before, during, and after childbirth. A doula does NOT perform any medical tasks or procedures - not even taking your pulse! Those tasks we leave to your OB-GYN, midwife, or nurse. Your caregiver’s primary objective is managing the safety of you and your baby. While it is important to trust and feel comfortable with your caregiver, it is your doula who will be present for the duration of your labor, birth, and postpartum.
WHY SHOULD YOU HIRE A DOULA?
For your comfort. Doulas have a whole bag full of tricks to ensure your physical comfort - massage tools, hot/cold packs, relaxation techniques, and labor positions. They can help maintain a peaceful environment - dim lighting, soft music, few interruptions. A doula can also give some much-needed guidance and reassurance in the intensity and unfamiliarity of birth.
For your partner. This can be stressful for them too. With a doula present, your partner can step back, have a snack, use the bathroom, or take a short nap. A doula can offer reassurance that things are progressing normally. They can also show your partner how to be your best supporter, whether it be with hands-on techniques like massages and hip squeezes or by offering just the right words of encouragement.
For statistically better outcomes for the birthing person and baby. The presence of continuous labor support, such as a doula, has been shown to reduce the risk of Cesarean birth; increase the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth; decrease the use of pain relief medications; shorten labor; and lower the risk of a dissatisfying birth experience.
For a better postpartum experience. A doula will visit you at home after your baby’s birth and make sure you’re settling in. They can help answer basic nursing and feeding questions or connect you with a lactation consultant. A doula will also be more than happy to provide you with resources regarding postpartum mood and anxiety disorders.
Because your birth experience matters. This experience will shape the rest of your life. The role of a doula is not only to provide emotional and physical support, but information. A doula will guide you to make informed decisions and advocate for your desired birth outcome. Their goal is to help you experience a positive and safe birth.
WHEN SHOULD YOU HIRE A DOULA?
It is never too early, or too late, to hire a doula. However, there are advantages to hiring a doula earlier in your pregnancy rather than later. The sooner you research and reach out to potential doulas, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to team up with your first choice. You’ll also have more time to build a great relationship with your doula and have more support throughout your pregnancy. Hiring a doula earlier will also allow you to spread out the expense, if necessary.
If you’d like to chat more about what a doula can do for you and my availability, send me a message to set up a call or visit. I would love to hear from you!
