Do I need a birth doula?

So you’ve heard this term going around, Doula. What does a doula do, where can I find one, do I need one? A doula is, normally a woman, who is professionally trained in childbirth and provides emotional, physical and educational support to a mother who is pregnant, in labor, delivering a baby, or recently postpartum. Birth work doulas are normally split into two categories, birth doulas and postpartum doulas. They focus on two different stages of motherhood and provide support in different ways. 

A birth doulas support begins during pregnancy with prenatal meetings and helping to create your birth plan. They are available for any questions you have before labor begins. Once labor starts, birth doulas come to you when you're ready for her support. They begin interacting with the mother and support partner and establish the foundation for an efficient (and hopefully short) labor. Ensuring you’re hydrated, well fed and the most prepared to deliver your baby. In active labor, providing physical support and comfort measures kicks in when contractions take more focus and intention to navigate. Along the way, they are also including your support person, your labor and delivery is a special time between you and your partner or who you have on your team. A doula does not take the place of your partner, but supports you both as a whole. 

If you are moving to a birth center or hospital, your doula will come along with you, helping to get you comfortably checked in. Active labor takes much more focus than early labor, a doula is by your side helping you cope with each contraction and answering any questions you have along the way. If you created a birth plan, she is helping to keep things on track, but if things have changed or need to pivot, she is right there with you providing information and support. 

Birth doulas stay by your side through delivery of your baby and up to two hours after birth. We make sure your first feed, if you are breastfeeding, is successful and can help get a visit from a location consultant if needed. Until you, your partner and baby are settled and ready for rest, we are with you. We are supporting you, encouraging you, and sometimes just sitting and waiting with you. 

Doulas in your area can be found through local resources, such as childbirth educators, or a quick google search. We believe that everyone who wants a doula should have one, the support you are looking for is at your fingertips! 

If you have any questions or want to learn more, you can contact me directly. 

With love,

Morgan