The benefits of hiring a doula for every birth
Here are the most commonly asked questions I get as a Doula…
WHY would I need to hire a Doula?
Or, why do I need a doula if I want a medicated birth?
Or, why would I hire a Doula if I’ve already given birth before?
Or even, Why would I need a doula if I am having a Cesarean birth?
All very valid questions, and I’m here to help answer them.
Bringing a new life into the world poses its challenges, there is no doubt. This is why most cultures will say that it “takes a village” when it comes to raising children. Whether it is your first, or fifth, having a baby requires time, sleep deprivation, and a considerable amount of change.
So, how can a Doula support families through their own individualized journeys?
Through:
Emotional support: A doula provides emotional support throughout pregnancy and birth. They offer encouragement and reassurance and help you feel more confident and empowered during the birth process.
Physical support: A doula helps with physical comfort measures during labor and birth, such as massage, breathing techniques, and positioning. They can also provide support with pain management techniques and help you stay hydrated and nourished.
Informational support: A doula is a wealth of information and can provide evidence-based information on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They can help you navigate the healthcare system, advocate for your family and help you make informed decisions about your care.
Partner support: A doula can also provide support to partners during labor and birth. They can offer guidance on how to best support the birthing person and help partners feel more involved in the process.
Newborn care support: A doula may also provide information/help with newborn care and support. This may look like providing resources to providers like pediatricians, lactation consultants, or prenatal Chiropractors, or simply answering questions about care basics.
Postpartum support: A doula can also provide support to families after baby is born. There are some doulas who will even spend nighttime hours with the families and attend to baby throughout the night to allow parents to get adequate sleep.
There are SEVERAL studies, and valid research that verify the advantages of having a doula. These include but aren’t limited to:
Better birth outcomes
Higher maternal satisfaction
Reduced need for medical interventions,
Better breastfeeding outcomes
and decreased postpartum depression and anxiety incidences
So, as you can see, a doula goes beyond just support throughout the laboring and birthing process. So, wherever and however you give birth, it is definitely a good idea to invest in a doula — you deserve it!
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Bohren, M. A., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., & Fukuzawa, R. K. (2017). Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (7).
Chang, S. C., Chang, Y. C., Huang, L. H., & Lin, M. I. (2014). Effects of doulas on birth outcomes and satisfaction: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Perinatal Education, 23(1), 49-58.