10 ways a doula can support you during labor and birth
The presence of a doula during labor and delivery can make a huge difference in your birth experience. Doulas are trained professionals who specialize in providing non-medical support to birthing people and their families. Not only do we provide physical, emotional, and informational support, but we can also help guide and advocate for parents through the labor and delivery process. Questions about what this might look like? Here are 10 ways a doula can support you during labor and delivery!
1. Doulas are non-medical professionals who provide physical, emotional, and informational support to laboring individuals and their families.
We do not replace your midwife, doctor, nursing team, or loved ones. We do not provide clinical care, or "take over" the hands-on support often offered by partners. Instead, we tailor education and comfort measures to the unique background and needs of each birthing person so they feel safe and supported under our holistic care. We make sure you are informed, confident, and as comfortable as possible so the other folks on your birth team can focus on their specific roles.
2. Doulas can help you to advocate for yourself and make informed decisions about your care.
Childbirth education is a cornerstone of what we do. We stay current with research and the birthing cultures of Columbus hospitals to help prepare you for the speedbumps that inevitably occur during labor and birth. Have a question about an intervention, or have an interaction with the system that just isn't sitting well with you? We can arm you with the evidence-based information you need to make the best decisions for your body and your baby and practice communicating your needs in a way that will be heard and respected.
3. Doulas can provide continuous labor support.
We come when you call, full stop. By the time you are ready to birth, we know each other well and will have built a strong relationship. Unlike your doctor, we won't come and go during the labor process, and won't pop in just in time to catch your baby. We're there through it all, coaching and encouraging you!
4. Doulas can help you cope with pain using various techniques such as breathing, massage, and position changes.
Birth balls, peanut balls, counter pressure, hip squeezes, breathing techniques, hypnobirthing, TENS units, hydrotherapy, dancing, you name it...we've got a whole lot of tools in our toolkits to help you with labor coping. Planning on an epidural? Those are great too! We've got tips and tricks to keep labor progressing even if you're comfortable in bed.
5. Doulas can provide emotional support to your partner during labor and birth.
Your partner is probably a wonderful person, but I'm pretty confident I've been to more births than they have. We'll make sure they understand the process, give tips on how to be a great birth coach, and make sure they are fed and rested so they can be fully present with you when it counts.
6. Doulas can help you to feel more confident and relaxed during labor.
We offer affirmations and reassurance that you and your body are working perfectly. We make sure your needs are attended to and your birth space feels safe and secure so you can focus on the work at hand. Whether you're having a homebirth or hospital birth, we create a calm and cozy environment for you and your baby.
7. Doulas can provide information about the process of labor and delivery, as well as breastfeeding/chestfeeding and newborn care.
The transition doesn't stop with the birth of that baby! We help new families learn the skills they will need to thrive. We can help with feeding concerns, connect you with local parenting resources, and even show you how to use your more complicated pieces of baby equipment!
8. Doulas can help you form a list of birth preferences that reflects your wishes and needs.
We will educate you on the wide variety of options and interventions that can come with the birthing process and together create a list of birth preferences and priorities that fits your goals.
9. Doulas can provide postpartum support after the birth of your baby.
We'll make sure your needs are taken care of so you can rest and bond with your baby.
10. Hiring a doula is an investment in your health and well-being during one of the most important times in your life.
I say it all the time, but EVERYONE deserves doula support. You are worthy of the time and care that a doula will pour into you. On the biggest journey of your life, you shouldn't be a passenger on the bus; you should be the driver! I want every birthing person to remember their baby's birthday as a day filled with love and joy, where they felt safe, respected, and strong.
