When you're getting ready to have your baby, the support you receive can make all the difference. That’s where a birth doula comes in – a professional dedicated to providing continuous, personalized support before, during, and shortly after childbirth. A doula’s role is not a medical one, but does work alongside the care of your healthcare team. While your doctors or midwives are concerned about your well-being, part of their job also includes the safety and well-being of your baby. Doulas provide a supportive presence that focuses entirely on your emotional and physical well-being.
What does a birth doula do?
A birth doula is much more than just a comforting presence during labor. They aren’t just another body in the room watching you give birth. This trained professional offers non-medical support for both the mom and her partner that encompasses a range of services designed to provide comfort, advocacy, and information. They typically have a wealth of knowledge that spans from pregnancy into the fourth trimester.
Support During Pregnancy
Even before a mom is ready to give birth, a birth doula can play an important role in pregnancy; helping her navigate the changes, questions and worries she might have about her pregnancy, birth or the postpartum time. During pregnancy, a doula provides:
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Education and Planning: Doulas are a great resource during your pregnancy because they can offer (non-medical) advice specific to your needs and situation. (This way you don’t get stuck going down a Google rabbit hole). Doulas offer valuable information on what to expect during labor and delivery, helping you develop a birth plan that aligns with your personal preferences and needs.
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Emotional Support: As your pregnancy progresses, your doula is there to offer emotional support, listening to your concerns about your pregnancy, your birth, or the unknowns of postpartum. Having a friendly and gentle person to work with throughout your pregnancy can help you feel more grounded and prepared for all of the changes.
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Resource Connection: Doulas are often well-connected in the maternity care community. As your doula gets to know you, they can recommend other professionals that cater to expectant mothers who align specifically with your lifestyle, needs and desires.
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Physical Comfort Strategies: Pregnancy can get a little uncomfortable as everything is stretching and growing. A doula is a great resource for helpful exercises and stretches, sleeping and resting positions, as well as offering other tips to keep you comfortable as your pregnancy progresses. They will also teach you different ways to stay strong and comfortable while you’re in labor.
Support During Birth
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Emotional Support: Doulas offer reassurance, encouragement, and a calm presence that can ease the fears and anxiety often associated with labor and delivery. They understand the emotional rollercoaster that childbirth can be and are there to provide a steady, comforting presence. Not only do doulas offer this kind of support to the one giving birth, but doulas can be incredibly helpful in helping the partners feel at ease and involved if that’s what the mom and partner want.
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Physical Comfort Measures: From suggesting positions that can ease labor pains to providing hands-on comfort like back rubs, shoulder massages, or the best hip squeezes, doulas are skilled in techniques that can make labor more manageable.
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Informational Support: Doulas are a bridge between a mom and her providers. During birth, your midwife, OB or labor & delivery nurses might talk using medical jargon. Your doula can help explain medical procedures in a way that helps you feel fully informed and in control.
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Advocacy: Doulas help communicate your wishes to the medical staff, ensuring that your voice is heard and your wishes are met. Having a doula can help you reiterate your birth plan to your medical team. Doulas are non-judgemental and will advocate for your wishes no matter what their personal opinions or beliefs are.
Support After Birth
After you’ve delivered your baby, whether at home or in the hospital, your doula doesn’t just wave goodbye and head out. They stay as long as you need them to in order to feel comfortable and ready. Again they can help you advocate for any after birth wishes, they can help you ask questions to your OB or midwife if you have them. Many doulas offer an in-home visit after you’ve settled back in with your newborn where they can help you process your birth, grab you a meal, and help you with breastfeeding (if they offer that service).
Working with a professional who has seen you through pregnancy and birth can be a really comforting experience when you’re navigating becoming a new mom.
Why does a pregnant mom need a birth doula?
The benefits of having a birth doula by your side during childbirth are backed by research and echoed by countless mothers who’ve had a doula-supported birth.
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Reduction in Medical Interventions: Studies have shown that women supported by a doula during birth are 25% less likely to have a cesarean delivery, and the use of medications for pain relief is also reduced. Doula support also helps to shorten overall labor time (by 41 minutes on average). Full study referenced here.
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Increased Satisfaction: Many women report higher satisfaction with their birth experience when a doula is present, often feeling more empowered, heard and supported throughout the process.
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Support for Partners: Doulas also provide invaluable support to partners, helping them to engage in the birthing process at their own comfort level. Doulas can help the partner better understand the process of birth as well as any medical jargon or processes happening around them.
Choosing the right doula
Finding the right doula is crucial as this person will be with you during one of the most intimate experiences of your life. It’s important that both you and your partner feel comfortable with your doula, that your doula offers the services that you’re looking for, and has experience supporting the type of birth you want to have. It’s a great idea to speak to and essentially interview different doulas to make sure they’re a good fit for you.
Hiring a doula for your birth can be a transformative experience.
By providing emotional support, physical comfort, and advocacy, a doula ensures that your needs are prioritized during pregnancy and childbirth. Having a person dedicated to your needs will help you feel more comfortable and confident as you head into birth.
Find and fund exactly the doula you want to work with on BeHerVillage.com
Other resources about doulas:
5 ways your doula can help you get ready for birth:
Reasons to hire a doula early in your pregnancy:
Breaking down the cost of a doula:
Questions to ask your doula when you’re interviewing them:
Understanding the difference between a doula and a midwife:
BeHerVillage is helping parents like you get the funds they need for the support they deserve! Are you having a baby and are looking for support? Create a registry for support today and get gifted funds directly into your bank account to pay for your support team. You deserve this.
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