Do you need a doula?

You’re pregnant, congratulations!!! This is such an empowering and exciting time! Now that you’ve registered for cribs, carriers and swaddles, signed up for Childbirth Classes {hint, hint} there is one last thing that needs to get done... hire a doula! 

A who?! (Not the Dr. Seuss kid of Who...) A what?! Doula is an ancient Greek word most commonly translated as female maidservant. A doula in today's world is a trained and experienced woman who accompanies a new mother through birth and/or the postpartum period, offering emotional support, physical comfort, practical assistance and non-medical care.

Why is this suggested? 

• The presence of a doula decreases the need for an unplanned cesarean by 50%
• decreases the length of labor by 25%
• decreases the need for other interventions with mother and baby
• greatly increases the mother's and father's satisfaction with the experience

How does the process work? Typically I recommend interviewing 1-3 and finding that perfect match. Think of hiring a friend, you need to just “feel” that connection, you’ll know when you find her. We interviewed three but I could have stopped after #1, she was our doula and I knew it from the first few sentences. Doulas cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand. Trust me, best money spent. The great thing is - you can find an awesome and wonderful doula to fit any budget. No joke. I’d be happy to refer one to you, just ask!

Once you hire this perfectly matched doula, you will typically have 1-2 prenatal visits where she meets you to get acquainted and discuss the birth. You’ll go over your birth preferences and talk through things to practice and prepare before hand. On THE big day she will offer continuous emotional support from early labor through the birth of your new baby - No matter when you have your baby. Often taking pictures to remember the day with. She will make sure you both as settled and then will come back to check in with you at least once {most often a few times} after you and baby are home. You can trust she is knowledgeable in breastfeeding and will be able to answer the many questions you will have on newborns and postpartum care. Notice the consistency of emotional support from prenatal to postpartum... this is key.

A question I am asked quite often is, “My partner plans on being an active part of this labor and birth process - do I still need a doula?” my answer 100% of the time, YES! Unless your significant other is a midwife or OB/GYN, he or she isn’t going to know nearly as much about the birth process as your doula. Even if it’s your second or third time having a baby, there will likely come a time when your partner will probably feel overwhelmed. Your doula is there to guide both of you through the process. She can suggest specific ways your partner can help you, while respecting the intimacy of your experience together. Doulas can not replace your partner! Your partner offers a level of love, support, encouragement that no one else on the planet can replace or copy. Think of her as an addition to the amazing team you two make.... the extra support is a life changer!

Regardless of the type of birth you’re planning, a doula will enhance the experience greatly. She will be a pillar of strength through the process offering support, encouragement and wisdom.