10 Reasons to hire a Doula!

Are you wondering what benefits there are when a doula attends your birth? are you wondering if it is REALLY worth the money? Any woman who has given birth can tell you that extra support during labor can change the entire outcome. A doula is not a medical professional and will not deliver your baby, doula’s job is solely to help you have a positive, beautiful, and safe birth experience. She will provide labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum support to whoever needs and wants it.

Here are 10 reasons why you should hire a doula:

1. They're with you from start to finish.

Your doula will know everything about your pregnancy from the day they start up to after babies' arrival. They will know all about your symptoms, any complications that arise, what you expect from your birth and your birth plan. And not just for you, they will also be there for your spouse/partner as well, all of their feelings, thoughts, concerns, and hopes as well. And with that knowledge, she will really be able to understand and advocate for you during your entire birth process.

2. They'll help you advocate for you.

A doula will be able to advocate for your needs and be an outside source of support.it can be hard to understand fully what is going on when your emotions are running high so having a doula there to reinforce what your medical professional is saying as well as offering you and your spouse support is incredibly beneficial.

3. They can help you deal with the unexpected.

Birth is unpredictable, whether it be complications or a change to your birth plan a doula can offer you information and help you make a quick decision and provide you with support in the choices you make.

4. They can help you manage pain.

Whether you're choosing an unmedicated birth, or just holding off on the epidural as long as possible a doula can offer you techniques to manage your pain, breathing, and help you relax.

5. They support your spouse.

Labor is intense and can be long, hard and emotionally overwhelming, a doula will help your spouse process what is happening and help them relax or allow them to take a breather if needed without leaving you without support. They know how to be present and offer support without being overbearing.

6. Statistics are on their side.

Studies have shown that there are 60%-80% lower C-Section and preterm birth rates due to women having continual support throughout pregnancy, labor, and delivery. That having a doula present can shorten labor by up to 25% by offering tools such as yoga balls and peanut balls and keeping the mother active as well as reducing the need for epidurals and pain relief medications that may slow or stall labor. There is also a 60% reduction in the use of epidurals for pain relief due to the techniques and methods they offer to help you manage your pain and a 40% reduction in the use of Pitocin by mothers who had a doula attend their birth And there is also 30% less use of forceps or vacuum in deliveries when a doula is present.

7. Legitimate Encouragement

Most doulas have attended several births or have even given birth themselves. It’s encouraging to have someone present who has been there and done all that cheering you on. When a doula says, “you’re doing awesome” it can be very encouraging!

On the other hand, it’s hard to appreciate or believe it when your partner says, “you’re doing awesome” and you’re wondering how in the world they know.

8. Their Pregnancy/Birth Expertise. Your doula will know a LOT about pregnancy, labor, delivery, postpartum and breastfeeding. If it’s your first or fifth child there are always questions that arise and situations are different and unique. Your doula is just a quick text away for opinions or advice.

9. Informed choices

A doula can help you understand your options for your birth and create a birth plan to discuss with your midwife or doctor. Birth itself can be a overwhelming at times and it can be easy to lose sight of your preferences.

A doula will help you communicate with your doctor or midwife during labor, and gently remind everyone of your choices.

10. You are never alone

Your doula stays with you throughout your entire labor. Unlike doctors, midwives and nurses there is no shift changed or time limits to the care they provide.

They can labor with you at home until you feel ready to go to the hospital or birth center. They will constantly advise you that you have everything you need, right now, to move past this contraction and keep going. While they are with you a Doula keeps you in the moment and focused. They suggest different positions and keep you moving during labor whichs aids in positioning of the baby and can help shorten your labor can help reduce your discomfort.

A doula can be beneficial in each and every pregnancy and birth. Labor and delivery are deeply physical, psychological, and spiritual experiences. The obstetric system primarily focuses on the physical process of birth but the psychological and spiritual aspects can affect the physical process. Birthing with a doula can help you have a well rounded fully involved experience .

Dr.Kennell, founder of DONA (Doulas of North America), said it best when he said:

“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”