1.    What is a doula?

A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant parents before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas are not medical providers, and you will continue to receive medical care from your OB-GYN or midwife.

2.    Should I hire a doula?

Yes! Humans aren’t meant to birth alone. Whether you’ve given birth before or this is your first time, birth is a process that demands and deserves expert support. Here are some key elements of doula support:

Emotional Support/Nonjudgmental Listening

Doulas provide continuous emotional support throughout the entire pregnancy, birth, and postpartum process. They can provide reassurance, encouragement, and help you navigate the various emotions that may arise during labor and delivery.

Advocacy Coaching and Informed Choices

Doulas can help you prepare to effectively communicate your birth preferences to medical professionals and support your choices during labor. They can also help you understand medical procedures, answer questions, and ensure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions.

Hands-on Labor Support

Doulas are trained in various comfort measures such as breathing techniques, massage, positioning, and relaxation exercises. They can provide physical support and help you manage the intensity of labor.

Partner Support

Doulas can support both you and your partner during labor and delivery. They can guide your partner in providing effective support, offer breaks if needed, and create a supportive environment for the entire birth team.

Birth Processing and Postpartum Transition

Many doulas also offer postpartum care, assisting with breastfeeding, newborn care, emotional adjustment, and recovery. This ongoing support can be invaluable during the early weeks of parenthood. 

3.    What does the data say – are doulas really worth it?  

The most famous quote about doulas is by Dr. John H. Kennell: “If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.” There are many positive effects of doula support on birth outcomes, and there are no adverse effects. Several studies have found the following potential benefits associated with doula support: 

Reduced intervention rates: A study published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews concluded that continuous support from a doula was associated with a decrease in the likelihood of interventions during labor, such as cesarean sections, epidurals, or the use of forceps or vacuum extraction.

Shorter labors: Another review in The Cochrane Database found that women who received continuous support, including support from a doula, experienced shorter labors compared to those without such support.

Increased satisfaction: Many studies have shown that having a doula present during childbirth increases women's satisfaction with their birth experiences. Doulas provide emotional support, advocate for the birthing person's choices, and help create a positive and empowering birth environment.

It's important to note that the presence of a doula does not guarantee specific outcomes, as birth is a complex and individualized process. Factors such as the birthing person's overall health, the care provider's approach, and unforeseen circumstances can also influence birth outcomes.

 4.    What if I want an epidural?

The benefits of doula support apply to births with all forms of pain medications. We can discuss all of your options in detail, and I will help you manage labor until your doctor agrees it is an appropriate time for an epidural – and help prepare you to advocate to receive one when needed.

5.    What if I’m having a c-section, or I end up having a c-section?

C-Sections are no less a form of birth than an unmedicated vaginal delivery. Planned, unplanned, and emergency c-sections are 3 very different animals, and we can and WILL discuss all of them during our meetings.

If you need a c-section, I will still provide you with doula support. Whether or not I am able to join you in the Operating Room, I can help prepare you for your surgical birth experience, your surgical recovery, and will be able to process your birth with you after.