Let’s talk about all of the benefits of hiring a birth or postpartum doula!
One stigma around doulas is that we only support natural births. This is not true! We support whichever type of birth YOU want. This includes all types of birth- medicated, unmedicated, vaginal, planned cesarean, VBAC, etc. Our main goal is to support you in your wishes and make your birth a happy memory.
Benefits of having a birth doula:
Physical Support
We can suggest different positions to help labor progress.
We can provide comfort measures such as breathing techniques, comforting touch and counter pressure.
We can help you get into positions that are comfortable for you.
Studies have shown that having a birth doula increases the chance of having a better birth outcome. Women are less likely to use pain medications and are less likely to have a cesarean.
Emotional Support
We help you feel supported and advocate for your needs during pregnancy, labor and postpartum.
We can create a calming environment with soothing, warm lights and create a space where the hormones of labor can work at their best.
We hold space as a calming presence when everything around you can feel chaotic.
Doulas do not provide medical care. We are there as a support person and can offer comfort and guidance. It helps to have someone separate from the medical team to support you emotionally.
Birthing people are having more positive, empowering births that they remember as a happy experience with a doula present.
Partner Support
We can help support your partner/support person emotionally through the process of labor and delivery.
We can take some of the pressure off of your partner having to do everything. We do not replace partners and encourage them to be as involved as they would like to be.
Evidence-Based Information
Doulas can provide evidence-based information about anything pregnancy, birth, or postpartum related. We want to make sure you make informed decisions about your birth. We want to help you find your voice and advocate for the very best care.
Benefits of having a postpartum doula:
Emotional Support
As you transition to your new life with your baby you may be feeling overwhelmed. Every family deserves support during this time. Postpartum doulas are here to listen to your concerns without judgement and help you get through this period. Oftentimes when a new baby comes along the focus is all on the baby and no one is checking in on the parents. Doulas are there to bridge that gap and check in on you.
Evidence-Based Information and Support
Postpartum doulas are trained to know what is normal for new babies and parents. We can help with newborn calming techniques, support you in breastfeeding or bottle feeding and refer you to any professional that you may need.
Practical Support
We can help with your newborn so you can get some rest or practice some self care. We can also do things around the house such as laundry, organizing, dishes, light cleaning or light meal prep.
Partner and Sibling Support
We can help the whole family adjust to your newest addition. We check in with your partner to see how they are doing and try to help them with what they need. We also can help with sibling(s) if you want to spend some quality time with your baby. We can help with your newborn if you would like to spend some time with your older child(ren).
As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions doulasandbeyond@gmail.com
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