What Is A Birth Doula? Why Get One?

The value of a doula is dependent on a couple of very important things. One, how well your doula is trained, or if not professionally trained, what good words she comes with from those that have had her present at their births. Two, how well do you get along with her? A doula can have all the knowledge in the world, but if your personalities don’t mesh or align in a copasetic manner, then it’s likely not going to lead to the best birth experience possible for you. When you find a doula that is both knowledgeable and with whom you get along with on a personal and professional level, that is invaluable.

A doula is able to be there with you, and for you, in a way that most cannot. We’re able to provide you with information on what to expect, what interventions are most common and when they may be recommended, as well as the risks vs benefits of those interventions. We are able to provide physical support, such as assisting you in different birthing positions or massaging you in-between and during contractions. 

We can also provide emotional support, as labor and delivery is hard, and sometimes you may need or want some encouraging words or a person to cry to who understands your tears. Statistically, women who hire doulas are overall more satisfied with their birth experience when looking back on it, both in the short and long term. They are also more likely to look back on their experience with fond memories, compared to women that didn’t hire a doula.

Doula’s are also statistically shown to lower the likelihood of having a cesarean, by offering different laboring positions that encourage labor to progress, keeping you encouraged throughout your labor, as well as giving you the tools necessary to advocate for yourself so that you’re able to avoid unnecessary interventions if you so choose. We are also there to bounce ideas off of.  Sometimes you just need someone to hear you speak when you’re trying to make a decision.

Say your doctor wanted to introduce Pitocin; I would be there to be a sounding board for you to get your thoughts out before you have to make a decision.  I would also be there to make sure you’re aware of all the risks and benefits that would come along with saying yes or no to that intervention depending on the reason the doctor suggested its use.

Having someone irrevocably there for you in every way during such a pivotal point in your life, whether it's your first baby or your fifth baby, is such a valuable asset that should never be overlooked. I would love the opportunity to be there for you and help you achieve the birth of your dreams.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, nor am I a replacement for one. I cannot preform clinical tasks such as cervical checks, blood pressure monitoring, checking baby's heart tones, or any other clinical task that would usually be done by a midwife or doctor.