Why You Should Hire a Birth Doula!

As you prepare for your baby’s arrival, you research and find your care provider, create a gift registry with all the new lavish items, and then start to read pregnancy books that keep mentioning your need for a doula.

To many, a doula seems like a luxury item, or perhaps they think that their partner or midwife will be enough of a support. Before you accept this, however, read on to learn reasons to spend the money on hiring a doula.

Let’s first talk about what a doula’s role is…

A doula is a professional labor coach who accompanies you throughout your labor and birth offering physical and emotional support. A doula is trained to support you with comfort measures such as positioning, massage, hot and cold therapy, and mindful breathing, all the while reassuring you, listening to your needs and wishes as a positive presence.

A doula is unlike a midwife, doctor, or nurse, since a doula does not offer an medical care, which is why we make a great team! We all have unique roles for supporting you. Which brings us to the benefits of having a doula...

Number One

A doula is also a constant presence, making you feel comforted knowing we will remain by your side. Our focus is entirely on you. Most often medical providers are expected to care for multiple patients at a time, therefore usually just checking in with you periodically. 

A doula will join you when asked, which may be in your home or the hospital and stay with you throughout, often with only very brief breaks. 

Number Two

Partners appreciate the guidance a doula brings to the birth. Partners take the childbirth class with you, read the books, then labor starts and...their mind goes blank. Don’t worry, that’s where the doula comes in! It’s hard to remember all of that. A doula doesn’t take the place of a partner doing things like counterpressure, but rather remind them of how and when to do them. A partner knows you better than anybody, so while partner may be face to face with mom, talking to you and caressing you, the doula may be giving you a foot massage. 

Doulas and partners make great teammates. Together we can do a fantastic job supporting you. 

Number Three

Studies have shown the benefits of having a doula. These studies have concluded that having continuous labor support may decrease the likelihood of needing a cesarean, and the need for Pitocin or pain relieving drugs. Continuous support may also help you have a shorter labor and a more satisfied birth experience. (Cochrane review 2017)

Number Four

Besides being present at your birth, doulas also meet with you, prenatally, to offer you informational support. We help you find reputable, evidence-based information so that you can make informed decisions about your birth. We also go over comfort measures that may help ease your labor and listen to all your birth wishes. 

Doulas also come to your home during your postpartum period to check-in on how you are doing physically and emotionally. We can offer breastfeeding support and reflect on your birth. 

Doulas really are there with you throughout the whole process! 

So should you spend the money on a doula? 

While it might seem expensive, it can still be obtainable. Although doula services are not usually covered by most insurance companies, some will pay a portion or allow you to pay for a doula out of your flex spending or health savings account. Most doulas are willing to work with clients by offering payment plans. Adding doula services to your baby registry is another creative way to pay for your doula. 

Ask yourself these questions: 

• Do you feel you would benefit from informational support during your pregnancy?
• Would you like to learn more about all the options you have for your birth?
• During your labor, would it comfort you knowing someone is there to help fulfill your specific desires, to help you achieve a positive and safe birth?
• Think about your birth team. Would it be beneficial to have an extra set of hands to help you through the experience?
• Would you like to have a professional visit your home after birth to support you with breast or bottle feeding? 

If you answered “yes” to these questions, we want you to know we are here to help! 

Join us May 14th to find the doula you connect with at “Doula Speed Dating.” We can’t wait to meet you! (Register here)