Why do I need a doula?
What is a doula?
A doula is a person who is trained to help you through labor and delivery by providing both physical and emotional support. Doulas are trained in ways to make labor more comfortable for you and to help you achieve your birth goals. In addition to the physical and emotional support they offer, doulas are advocates for you in carrying out your decisions and birth plan. Birth can be unpredictable and things can change quickly, having a doula who can make sure you have all the space, time, and information you need to make a decision for yourself and your baby can make all the difference.
What are some ways a doula can help you physically?
Doulas are trained in many physical techniques to help you through your birth experience. As your doula I can use counter pressure during contractions, massage, heat and cold therapy, as well as help you find the most comfortable positions to labor and push in. Doulas have the knowledge to provide physical relief in all sorts of situations, back labor, stalled labor, etc. Having a doula isn’t only for people who want a natural birth, we have the ability to provide comfort and relief during epidural births and even C-Sections. Another thing we can do is help you find the natural breastfeeding positions that are most comfortable for you and your baby.
How can doulas help you emotionally?
We can help you during labor by walking you through relaxation scripts, making sure that your voice is being heard, and your decisions are being followed. Doulas can discuss issues that have arisen during previous births to see how we can make the next birth better for you. When a situation arises during birth where a decision needs to be made, your doula can help you get all your questions answered, direct you to evidence based information, and help create the space you need for you to make your decision.
Evidence for doulas.
A Cochrane review titled “ Continuous support for women during childbirth” showed that women with a birth companion were less likely to have a c-section, epidurals, negative birth feelings, vacuum or forceps assisted births, or a baby with a low 5 minute APGAR score. For more information I would suggest reading the study in its entirety, those are just the highlights!
link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28681500/
Birth can look like many different things. At home and unmedicated, in the hospital with an epidural, a c-section, multiple babies. Whatever your birth looks like, a doula helps you feel empowered and in control of your birth experience.
