Why Should I Hire a Birth Doula?
To answer this question bluntly, why would you not? I know, I am biased… but there’s a reason I came into birth doula work and it wasn’t because it offered flexible hours! But I’ll save my doula journey for another time. You’re here because you want to know what all the buzz and benefits are about hiring a birth doula and why you may be hearing the word “doula” more often - especially from celebrities like Amy Schumer, Erykah Badu, Kristin Bell and Mayim Bialik .
Top 5 reasons to hire a birth doula:
Continuous Support. Birth Doulas are dedicated solely to easing you and your partners concerns, anxieties, emotional and physical aches and pains. They never leave your side in labor. So when your provider or nurse needs to tend to the laboring family next door, you still have the support you need by your side. Personally, our support starts the moment you hire us in your pregnancy and we’re always just a phone call away.
Emotional Support. Listen, labor is called labor for a reason. It is powerful, it is trying, and it is overwhelming. Birth Doulas offer the comfort, validation, and reassurance that help parents feel more confident, secure, and in control during the birthing process. Their presence can be calming and reassuring during times of uncertainty or fear. And since you spend time with your birth doulas prenatally, they understand what triggers and calms you in times of stress and anxiety.
Physical Support. Hip squeezes for hours, yup! Massage, yup! Position changes with or with out an epidural, yup yup! Words of encouragement, you betcha! Whether it is hands-on support or an encouraging smile, a birth doula’s physical presence, tips, tricks and tools have you covered. Not to mention, the experience and know-how of advocating and empowering you to communicate effectively with your providers.
Partner Support. Yes, much of the spotlight is on you, the one preparing for and doing the labor! And yes, doulas (most likely) know more about pregnancy, labor and birth than your partner. But that doesn’t mean they become replaced or forgotten. This is their experience, too. Birth Doulas assist partners to assist you in the way that is helpful for them and for you… and make sure they don’t say the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Educational and Informational Support. Birth Doulas LOVE talking pregnancy, labor and birth! Education, evidence-based knowledge, all the in’s and out’s - we want to shout it from the rooftops. Whatever your specific needs, birth vision, or circumstances are, a birth doula is knowledgeable and has the reputable resources ready for you and your partner (please try to stay out of the Google rabbit hole). Birth Doulas (should be) trained and educated to support ALL births, with real-time education and experience available to you.
With Birth Doulas, you are investing in a positive and empowering birth experience that covers you from the beginning to the next chapter. And don’t forget, Birth Doulas are invested in preparing you, supporting you, and empowering you and your partner to have the birth experience you desire and deserve.