and no doulas are not a replacement for a birth partner.
Investing in your birth by using a birth doula provides invaluable support before, during, and after childbirth, and their presence can make a significant difference in your experience. Let’s explore the many benefits of having a doula by your side.
Continuous Emotional Support
One of the primary roles of a doula is to provide emotional support throughout the entire birthing process. Labour can be an intense and overwhelming experience, and having someone who understands and validates your feelings can be incredibly reassuring. Doulas are trained to listen, offer encouragement, and help you navigate the emotional highs and lows of labour, fostering a sense of calm and confidence.
Physical Comfort Measures
Doulas are skilled in various comfort techniques to help manage pain and stress during labour. This can include massage, breathing exercises, positioning suggestions, and other hands-on methods to ease discomfort. By providing physical support, doulas help create a more positive and manageable labour experience, allowing you to focus on the task at hand—bringing your baby into the world.
Advocacy and Communication
Advocacy is a hot topic at the moment and it is not hard to see why…
2/5 women and birthing people giving birth have had procedures performed on them without their consent, a survey has found.(1)
45% of new mothers experience birth trauma - survery in 2018 reported (2)
31% (realistically 40%) of births in the UK is by c section. (2023 stats) WHO stat more than 15% of c-section doesn’t improve the outcome.
Having a doula means having an advocate who can help articulate your birth preferences to your healthcare team. They can assist in navigating conversations with medical staff, ensuring that your wishes are respected and understood. Whether you want to explore pain relief options or have specific birth plan requests, a doula helps bridge the communication gap, empowering you to take an active role in your birthing experience.
Educational Resource
Doulas serve as valuable sources of information, helping you prepare for labour and delivery. They can provide insights into what to expect during each stage of labour, discuss pain management options, and share tips for postpartum care. This knowledge helps you feel more informed and confident in your choices, setting the stage for a smoother experience. Not only this but they are a wealth of knowledge and resources and able to sign-post to evidence-based information.
Partner Support
Birth partners get left behind when talking about birth. With birth partners these days, or at least the majority, being male they need help and education too. No this is not me being sexist but up until around 30 years ago most men folk didn’t go into the birthing space. That means in the history of humans 30 years ago men folk only regularly went into the birth space… and we just expect them to know what to do?
A doula doesn't just support the birthing person; they also help partners feel more involved and prepared. Doulas can guide partners on how to provide comfort and assistance during labour, enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved. This collaborative support can strengthen the bond between partners and create a more inclusive environment for the birthing process. Their experience matters to and a well prepped and well-support birth partner is going to be the best person in the room to help their birther.
Continuity of care.
Not care like health care staff provide Unlike hospital staff, who may rotate shifts and have multiple patients to attend to, a doula provides continuous support throughout labour. Their unwavering presence means that you have someone dedicated solely to your comfort and needs. This continuity can make a significant difference in how supported and empowered you feel during labour. It sounds crass but you pay for doula’s therefore we are here for you!
Positive Birth Outcomes
Research suggests that having a doula present during labour can lead to improved outcomes, including
52.9% lower odds of caesarean sections,
the length of labor by 25%
and reduced use of pain medication 60%.
Reduction of synthetic oxytocin (40%)
Just to name a few! The emotional and physical support a doula provides can contribute to a more positive birth experience overall.
Not just there for the birth
Many doulas also offer postpartum services, assisting with infant care, breastfeeding support, and emotional adjustment. This transitional period can be challenging and having a knowledgeable support person can make all the difference in helping new parents feel confident and capable as they adjust to life with a newborn.
Every birth is unique, and doulas understand that your needs and preferences will vary. They tailor their support to align with your individual circumstances and desires, ensuring that your experience is as personalized and meaningful as possible.
The journey to parenthood can be as daunting as it is joyful. Investing in a doula can make a significant difference, providing emotional, physical, and informational support that empowers you throughout the experience. Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your family, the benefits of having a doula are clear: they can help create a more positive, informed, and supported birthing experience. If you’re considering your options for labour support, a doula might just be the perfect fit for your journey into parenthood.
I support births as a doula in North Northamptonshire and South Leicestershire... if you are looking for a doula in your local please drop me a note and I will reccomend some in your area.
(2) Beck CT, Watson S, Gable RK. Traumatic Childbirth and Its Aftermath: Is There Anything Positive? J Perinat Educ. 2018 Jun;27(3):175-184. doi: 10.1891/1058-1243.27.3.175. PMID: 30364308; PMCID: PMC6193358.
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