Benefits of Having a Doula

          A doula can serve for many purposes throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. First and foremost, a doula is an advocate and assistant for YOU. You can express any concerns or questions you have to your doula. This helps ease your anxieties about giving birth and benefits your overall birth experience by making you feel prepared.

          Many women report having a more positive birth experience with a doula present at the birth of their baby and labor time can be shortened by 25%!

          Trained to assist you in having the birth experience you want, a doula can help you have the confidence to advocate for yourself and your desires along the way. Although nothing is guaranteed during labor and delivery, having a doula at your birth makes you less likely to need medical intervention and decreases your risk of needing a cesarean birth by 50%.

          Doulas are also really good for helping your partner have a more active role in the birth of your baby. It can be written into your birth plan that your partner cuts the umbilical cord or bathes the baby. Simple things like this can help your partner bond with baby. Don’t be afraid to ask how your partner can aid you during labor.

          Doulas believe in supporting mom's body and that birth is a natural process. Many women choose to have a doula when they are planning on an unmedicated birth. Doulas are certified in coping techniques for the pains associated with labor and delivery. If you are planning on having a medicated birth, a doula can help you be prepared for the possible side effects of medication. Even if you have a medicated birth or a cesarean section, your doula can help prepare you for your recovery. No matter how you give birth, a doula is constant emotional support for you and your partner. 

          Here are some ways you could benefit from having a doula:
- Recommend resources and prenatal/ parenting classes
- Educate you on the risks and benefits of each decision during the birthing process
- Recommend home remedies for various things during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum
- Ease fears of birth or hospitals or previous birth related traumas
- Give your partner or supporting family member/ friend breaks when needed

- Help relieve the pain and stress from giving birth
- Apply knowledge of labor and delivery (because let's face it- all those birth classes will go out the window when the contractions kick in)
- Reassure you when needed
- Help your partner understand how you are feeling and what you are going through
- Advice for newborn care and breastfeeding
- Advocate for your birthing desires every step of the way, even through an emergency
- Nutritional support and education through pregnancy