Why You Should Consider Hiring a Doula for Your Birth Experience
A doula is a professional support person who assists a birthing person and their family during childbirth. By providing physical, emotional, and informational support to the birthing person and their partner, doulas can play a critical role in creating a positive birth experience.
Studies have found that people who have a doula present during their labor are less likely to use pain medication or other interventions, and have shorter labors overall. They are also less likely to report negative feelings about their birth experience or to experience postpartum depression.
Doulas are trained professionals
Doula training is rigorous and comprehensive. To become certified, doulas undergo extensive education on topics related to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
Whether you're planning a homebirth or hospital birth, doulas are trained to support you in whichever setting you choose. We understand the different protocols and routines of various birth environments, and can help you navigate them. If you're hoping for a natural birth, doulas can offer techniques to manage pain and help you stay relaxed. And if medical interventions become necessary, doulas can explain your options and advocate for your wishes.
Doulas are also trained in evidence based care, meaning we stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in the field of childbirth. We can provide you with accurate information to help you make informed decisions about your care. This is especially important for anyone who may feel overwhelmed by the many decisions that come with pregnancy and birth.
Doulas can help you have a shorter labor
According to a Cochrane Review, continuous doula support during childbirth was associated with a 25% decrease in the length of labor for first-time birthers and an 11% decrease for people who had given birth before.
There are several reasons why doula support can lead to a shorter labor. First, doulas are trained to help you relax and manage your pain through various techniques such as breathing exercises and massage. This can help you avoid tensing up during contractions, which can slow down labor.
Second, doulas can provide emotional support during labor. Giving birth can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but having a doula by your side can help ease those feelings. This can allow you to focus on your body and let the natural process of birth unfold. Lastly, doulas can help advocate for your needs and preferences during labor. We can help you communicate effectively with your medical team and ensure that you are informed about all your options. This can help you make decisions that are best for you and your baby, and may prevent unnecessary interventions that could slow down your labor.
It's important to note that while doula support can lead to shorter labors, it doesn't guarantee a specific outcome. Every birth is unique, and many factors can impact the duration of labor. However, research has consistently shown that doula support can be a valuable tool in helping women achieve a successful vaginal birth with fewer interventions and less discomfort.
Doulas can help you have a lower risk of C-section
A 2017 review of multiple studies found that women who had doula support during birth were 39% less likely to have a C-section compared to women who did not have a doula.
So how exactly do doulas help lower the risk of C-section? One factor is the emotional support we provide. During labor, it's common for women to feel anxious, scared, or overwhelmed. This can cause their bodies to produce stress hormones, which can slow down labor and increase the likelihood of needing interventions like C-sections. Doulas are trained to provide emotional support, helping women feel more relaxed and confident during labor.
Another factor is the physical support doulas provide. We can suggest positions and movements that can help the baby move down and out more easily. We can also provide massage and other comfort measures to help ease pain and discomfort.
The evidence supporting the benefits of having a doula present during birth is clear. If you're hoping to have a vaginal birth and want to lower your risk of needing a C-section, hiring a doula may be a wise choice.
Doulas can help you breastfeed more successfully
A study conducted by the Cochrane Library found that birthers who received continuous support during labor, such as that provided by a doula, were more likely to breastfeed successfully and for a longer period of time. Doulas can offer emotional support and guidance to new parents as they navigate the breastfeeding process.
Doulas provide continuous support
One of the key benefits of hiring a doula for your birth experience is that we provide continuous support. Unlike doctors or nurses who may come and go throughout your labor, a doula will stay by your side, offering emotional and physical support every step of the way.
This can be incredibly valuable for a few reasons. For one, labor can be a long and unpredictable process. You may have moments of fear or uncertainty, or simply need someone to hold your hand or offer words of encouragement. A doula can be that person for you, providing a calming presence throughout the entirety of your labor.
In addition, having continuous support can also help you feel more empowered and confident in your ability to give birth. Knowing that someone is there who believes in you and is committed to helping you achieve the birth experience you want can be incredibly reassuring.
In short, continuous doula support can make a big difference in your birth experience. It can help you feel more comfortable and confident, and increase your chances of having a positive outcome. If you are considering hiring a doula for your birth, be sure to talk with them about what their continuous support will entail and how they can best support you throughout your labor.
