Did you know that every birth usually has 3-4 healthcare professionals present? However, what if you had a birth doula or postpartum doula to support you? A doula is an amazing resource that can provide emotional and physical support to new and expectant parents during an overwhelming experience.
With the help of a doula, you can feel more confident about what lies ahead in your pregnancy journey. You’ll have an experienced professional on hand to answer questions and provide guidance every step of the way – from labor through postpartum recovery.
So what is a doula? Read here now for more information about what a doula can do for you!
What Is a Doula?
A doula is a trained, experienced professional who provides support to a pregnant woman:
- Emotional
- Physical
- Informational
Doulas are non-medical professionals who specialize in helping women have the best experience possible during labor and delivery. They help provide information about options for pregnant women to make the best decisions for their circumstances. They offer:
- Emotional support
- Counseling
- Assistance
Doulas often form an important part of a woman’s birth team, helping to create an atmosphere focused on her needs.
Benefits of a Birth Doula
Having a birth doula can be a great asset to any expecting parent. This support can help make the birthing process easier and more comfortable for both the mother and her partner. A doula’s role is to provide comfort measures such as:
- Massage
- Breathing techniques
- Relaxation techniques
- Positioning suggestions
They also provide emotional support by:
- Listening to concerns
- Offering encouragement
- Helping to create an atmosphere of safety and security
The benefits of having a birth doula are numerous. Studies have shown that having a doula present during labor can reduce the need for:
- Pain medication
- Decrease the length of labor
- Lower the risk of cesarean delivery
- Increase breastfeeding success rates
- Improve overall satisfaction with the birthing experience
Having a doula present at your birth is an invaluable experience that will help you feel empowered throughout your pregnancy. However, if you’re considering hiring a birth doula for your upcoming delivery, it’s important to do your research first to find someone who best meets your needs.
What Is a Postpartum Doula?
A postpartum doula provides practical and emotional support to new mothers in the weeks before and after childbirth. The doula’s role is to help with tasks around the home, such as:
- Cleaning
- Preparing meals
- Running errands
They also provide the mother with advice and guidance on the following
- Nursing
- Infant care
- Parenting practices
Many postpartum doulas may also be trained in infant massage or lactation counseling.
Postpartum doulas help ease new mothers into their roles as parents by meeting their unique needs individually. They also support the partners and other family members who are helping to care for the new baby.
With a postpartum doula, families have peace of mind knowing they have a compassionate professional to turn to for advice in those early days of parenthood.
What to Expect from a Doula Service?
A doula service will typically consist of one or more visits before labor, continuous presence during labor and delivery, and postpartum visits over the first few weeks after childbirth. They might also offer childbirth classes to prepare the mother and her partner before the birthing process begins.
During each visit, the doula will provide emotional and physical support to ensure that the mother is comfortable and confident throughout her pregnancy. In addition, the doula can explain various labor options so that the mother feels in control of her birth experience.
After delivery, they can teach the parents how to care for their baby and offer advice on breastfeeding and newborn care.
How to Find the Right Doula Nurse?
Finding the right postpartum doula can be a daunting task, as many different types of doulas are available. Here are some tips for finding the perfect doula for your family:
Ask Friends and Family for Referrals
Word-of-mouth recommendations can be one of the best ways to find a qualified professional. Ask for recommendations from friends and family who recently had a baby.
Research Certifications and Experience
Look for doulas who have received proper training and certification in their field. Ask about their experience working with new families and make sure they have good references from other clients.
Make Sure You’re Compatible
To feel comfortable during labor and delivery, you and your doula must have similar views on birthing and parenting philosophies. Talk over your preferences with potential candidates, and make sure to meet with them in person before making any decisions.
Consider Cost
Lastly, consider if budget is a factor in selecting your postpartum doula. Many offer sliding-scale fees or payment plans that may work better for you financially.
Questions to Ask Your Doula
When you are trying to find the right doula, you’ll likely have a few interviews with them. During that interview, asking the right questions can make all the difference.
Here are a few questions you should ask:
- What type of childbirth services are you experienced in providing?
- How long have you been working as a doula?
- What type of birth guidance can you provide?
- Do you have any special certifications or training?
- How many births have you attended, and in what settings?
- Are you comfortable with home births, hospital births, and/or birth centers?
- Can you provide postpartum support lactation advice?
- Do you offer additional information on childbirth, such as pictures or videos?
- Can my partner and I be involved in the sessions with you?
Consider Hiring a Doula Today
So what is a doula? In short, they can make all the difference for a happy, healthy, and holistic birth.
Having a doula present during labor and delivery can provide new parents with invaluable emotional and physical support. From providing guidance on nursing to helping with tasks around the house, postpartum doulas are essential to any family’s birth journey.
When selecting your doula, consider the above tips and ask the right questions. With the right combination of these factors, you will find that hiring a qualified professional is worth every penny!
Are you looking for more information about a doula and what they do? Check out the rest of our blog!
