So you are pregnant now what? You've probably got a million things on your mind and labor is probably a big portion of those thoughts. How do I prepare? What exactly happens during labor? Do I want an epidural or not? How will I do it? First I want you to know that these are valid and normal questions many expectant parents find themselves asking. If you are one of those expectant parents with these questions a doula might be a useful resource for you.
What Exactly is a doula? Well, there are different types of doulas such as birth doulas or postpartum doulas, but this blog post is gonna focus mainly on birth doulas. A birth doula is a non medical trained professional who provides families with emotional, physical, and informational help during labor. The doula is there with you during your labor and birth assisting you in many hands-on ways.
Often times this support begins during pregnancy in the form of prenatal meetings. In these meetings the doula will sit down with the mother and the birthing partner if there is one and get to know them and their birth wishes. Often time, the doula will often use this time will help ensure you fully understand the ins and outs of labor. There is a lot of education that will occur to ensure that you can make informed decisions. Once the time comes and you go into labor the doula will either meet you at home or wherever you plan to give birth. The doula will utilize a wide variety of techniques to help you in labor. These will be tailored to your specific needs based on what was discussed in the prenatal meetings. After birth, many doulas will stay for an hour or more to help you adjust to your new baby. Many birth doulas will follow up with a prenatal meeting to go over the birth with you.
So now that you have a general understanding of what a doula is and what they do let's answer some other questions you may be having!
Is a Doula Really Worth It?
YES! But don’t just take my word for it, take the word of the research.
Research has shown that hiring a doula can lead to
• Reduced use of Pitocin
• Fewer requests for pain medication
• Being less likely to need forceps and vacuum
• Reduced likelihood of cesarean birth
• Better Apgar scores for baby
• Greater satisfaction with your birth experience
• Increased confidence
• Decreased anxiety
• Improved postpartum mental health
The evidence is there and if any of these things are important to you then it is definitely worth it.
Will a doula replace my partners role?
Absolutely not. A birth doula is there to work with your birth partner if you have one. They can even help your partner learn how to best assist you. Many birthing partners report that the doula allowed them to feel confident and productive. Having your birth partner attend prenatal meetings with the doula will help optimize their involvement in the process.
I attended a childbirth class. Do I still need a doula?
Yes. While childbirth classes are great they do not replace a doula. A doula provides continuous in-labor support that can not be replaced by a class. A doula can also help tailor the support to your specific needs and desires.
I want an epidural. Will a doula support this?
Definitely! A doula is there to support whatever kind of birth you want. A doula can educate you a an epidural and assist you with the sensations of labor beforehand. After the epidural, the doula can help you get into positions for the birthing stage. Remember no matter what your wishes for birth are the doula is there to support you.
I am having a home birth. Can I still hire a doula?
Yes. Doulas are there to support you in whatever birthing environment you choose. Most Doulas do require a midwife or other certified care provider to be present. A doula can be a great option for home births by providing a consistent figure even in the case of a necessary hospital transfer. Many doulas will even meet you at your home for the early stages of labor even if you plan on eventually going to the hospital.
I've had a baby before. Can a doula still help me?
Every birth experience is different and a doula can help you navigate the differences in this pregnancy and birth. A doula may also talk through your previous birth experiences and ensure you are going into the birth as confidently as possible.
I am having a planned cesarean can a doula still help me?
Absolutely! A doula will help you prepare for your cesarean, meet you at the hospital while you get prepped, and help with the recovery. Hospital policies vary on whether or not doulas are allowed in the operating rooms, but if possible then doula will also join you during.
When should I hire a doula?
As soon as possible. The sooner you book your doula the sooner you can begin the prenatal meetings to ensure you get the most from your service. Many doulas also only take a few clients a month so booking sooner prevents them from being booked up. Keep in mind many doulas will prefer you to book no later than two months before your due date though. It never hurts to contact your local doulas to find out their policies and availability to best plan.
What if I can't afford a doula?
Many doulas offer payment plans or sliding scales and more and more insurance policies are beginning to cover doulas. Some doulas even account for a few pro bono clients. Another great option is to ask for money on your baby registry to pay for a doula. Whatever your financial situation is reach out to doulas and set up a plan.
What happens after I give birth?
Well, this depends on your doula and the package you booked. Most birth doulas will stay for an hour or so after birth to help with early breastfeeding efforts or any other support you may need. It is also common for birth doulas to offer one postpartum visit in which you can discuss the birth, go over postpartum healing, and assist with breastfeeding in some cases. You can also hire a postpartum doula for a whole other world of support for this new phase.
I hope after reading this blog you get a good picture of how important a doula's role is and also see that no matter who you are and what kind of birth you experience a doula is a great tool to have. If you are in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia I would love to chat more with you about being your doula! You can contact me through my website or by emailing me at DoulaKaylaWamsley@Outlook.com
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