Why Hire A Doula?
First, let’s explore what a doula is.
Doula (δούλα) is a Greek word meaning woman servant. Used throughout history, a doula was someone who supported others in their time of need. In modern days, this term has been adapted specifically in the context of an individual who supports the mother and her partner throughout the pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods. According to DONA.org, a doula is “a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to their client before, during, and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.” A doula’s main goal is to help the laboring mom and partner have the best birth experience possible.
Second, let’s go over what a doula is not.
A doula is not a medical provider. Doulas do not replace any medical care providers (i.e., OB, nurse, midwife, or other trained healthcare professionals). You will still want a medical provider for the actual delivery and to receive medical care (i.e., checks, medications, etc.).
A doula does not speak for you or make medical decisions on your behalf. Doulas will help the client and partner find their voice in expressing desires and concerns. But a doula is not there to do the talking for you.
A doula does not replace a partner during the birth. Having a doula means having an extra support person. The partner is still active in the comfort process (as much as they desire). Doulas help facilitate more comfort measures and are an extra pair of hands or vocal support.
A doula is not only for unmedicated births. Doulas are still utilized even when medication is present because moms still need support.
So what are the benefits of having a doula?
Birth is hard. A doula uses their toolbox to give the laboring mom and partner as much comfort as possible in their given situation. Having a doula present at your birth has been proven to be a benefit for the mom, baby, and partner. Research has proven that utilizing a doula can lead to the following:
less likely to need Pitocin
less likely to have a cesarean birth
less likely to use any pain medication
more likely to rate their childbirth experience positively
more likely to decrease the length of labor
provide supportive measures to help ease your birth experience
Still on the fence? Take a look at the research articles below, reach out to me, or even chat with any friends you may know who utilized a doula. The extra support really makes a difference.
Research Links
https://www.dona.org/what-is-a-doula-2/benefits-of-a-doula/
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/labor-and-birth/having-a-doula/
https://internationalbreastfeedingjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13006-023-00558-0
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3647727/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10292163/
