Welcome back! I hope you have time to sit down, pour yourself a cup of tea, and enjoy some more of The Gentle Journey with me. Last time we talked a little about what a doula is, and today we are going to look at why you might want to hire a labour and birth doula for yourself (or for someone you love).
Doulas make a difference!
Evidence from all kinds of sources – hospitals, doctors, researchers and (most importantly) women themselves – shows that women who have a doula supporting them through labour and birth experience a wide range of benefits. Over the next couple of months we’ll spend some time looking more closely at several of those benefits. Today, however, I simply want to talk generally about the idea of adding a doula to your birthing team, who would benefit, and what kind of difference it can make.
You may have heard (or even believe) some common myths and misunderstandings regarding doulas and the work we do. Here are just a few that come to mind: ‘I’m having a midwife for my birth, so I don’t need a doula’… ‘my partner/mother/friend will give me all the support I need’… ‘a doula will have her own plan for my birth experience and won’t listen to me’…
The truth is that a labour and birth doula is a wonderful addition to any birthing team. Whether you are having a home or hospital birth… are under the care of a midwife or an obstetrician… if you have an idea of what you want your birth to look like – or have no idea at all… no matter how supportive your family and friends are… inviting a doula to join your team brings a wealth of benefits to you, your partner, and ultimately your baby.
Doulas provide a special kind of support. Our focus is 100% you! Our goal is to be there for you, listen to you, encourage you, come alongside you. Doulas are accessible! From prenatal meetings where we get to know each other and discuss your hopes, fears and plans (and everything in between), to the dedicated 24/7 on call support that begins two weeks before your estimated due date, doulas provide support before your labour even begins! And once your labour does begin, a doula will provide expert support until you have given birth. Your doula will be with you every step of the way. Doulas have training, knowledge and a deep desire to support women through labour and delivery. Knowing that a change in position might make you more comfortable, bringing a calm presence to an unexpected situation, or breathing with you through an especially strong contraction are just a few of the many ways a doula can be with you during one of life’s most wonderful and intense experiences.
I hope that one day you will experience the doula difference for yourself!
If you’d like to know more, why not book a free consultation with a doula in your area, or stay tuned for the next post here on The Gentle Journey, where we will take a closer look at some specific benefits of adding a doula to your upcoming birth experience.