Social media makes it easy to long for things you never knew existed. How often have you wasted brain power pining over an outfit or gadget you saw in a friend's post? Now your favorite pregnant influencer has posted a selfie with their amazing doula, leading you to wonder, "Should I hire a doula, too?"
Inviting a doula to attend the birth of your baby is a personal decision based on factors ranging from your philosophy on childbirth to your financial situation. While some women can't imagine giving birth without an advocate at their side, others have reservations about packing another opinionated person into the crowded delivery room. The presence of an additional professional can make or break your birth experience, and you deserve to make an informed choice.
We've created this guide to help you better understand the role of a doula during pregnancy and labor. We'll provide a general overview of what a doula does, including details about why some moms-to-be find their services helpful.
Read on to explore our birthing tips and decide for yourself whether you need a doula's help to deliver your sweet baby.
What Is a Doula?
There is no single, clear definition of a doula's role, which can add to the confusion surrounding whether or not to hire one. Some doulas work with pregnant women before labor, teaching prenatal classes or offering one-on-one coaching while you write your birth plan. More often than not, the term refers to a birth doula, who is essentially a labor and delivery coach.
In the delivery room, a doula's job is to focus on you. While your doctor and nurses will be keeping track of many things (including other expecting mothers), a doula keeps your physical and mental state at the forefront. Different professionals offer different types of support, but all seek to help you preserve through the challenges of giving birth.
Some doulas receive certifications from national or international organizations. Others remain uncertified or prefer not to certify for reasons related to ethics or other employment opportunities. Most doulas complete a formal or informal internship before they begin accepting clients.
Ultimately, there is no list of regulations that defines who can or cannot become a doula. When you hire one, you are hiring a person. Consider who you would like to have by your side during delivery and what they have to offer.
Birth doulas often offer the following:
- Help understanding medical terminology
- Moral support during labor
- Information about natural pain management
- A sounding board for in-the-moment decision making
- Companionship during a stressful situation
In essence, a doula is an educated, experienced cheerleader who will stay by your side during your labor and delivery. They will translate for you when things feel complicated or confusing. A doula helps women feel like they are playing a role in their own birth experience.
Benefits of Hiring a Doula
Not every woman delivers a baby with a partner by their side, and some moms-to-be exclude certain family members to maintain boundaries. A doula will ensure that you don't have to go through the experience of laboring alone. Your doula will make sure you receive support, care, and consideration throughout the process if there is nobody there to advocate for your needs.
A doula is also a helpful advocate for women with medical anxiety or past trauma related to the body. Even if you are giving birth at home or in a more neutral location, you may experience some discomfort related to touching, medical language, or other unusual experiences. A doula with a trauma background can help center you, allowing you to focus on your baby's arrival.
Finally, many first-time moms appreciate having a doula as a point of contact in a busy, bustling hospital. When you invite a doula to your birth, you will ensure that there is one consistent professional at your side at all times. There will always be someone to answer questions, offer support or distractions, and help you maintain your peace.
How To Find One You Feel Comfortable With
When interviewing a doula, it is recommended to prepare questions in advance; this will help you feel more confident and comfortable.
Here are some suggested questions to ask when interviewing a doula:
- What experience do you have?
- How long have you been a doula?
- What is your philosophy about birth?
- Do you work with other professionals in the field of childbirth?
- What is your experience with laboring at home vs. in the hospital?
- Are there any medical conditions that would prevent me from working with you?
- How do you handle families who don't want pain medication or don't want an epidural?
- What are your rates and payment policies?
It can be helpful to talk with a few doulas before deciding who to go with, and your OBGYN may also have suggestions.
Hire a Doula and See Birth Differently
Your labor and delivery team contains many knowledgeable people who are eager to help you give birth to a healthy baby. When you hire a doula, you are choosing to supplement that team with a steadfast advocate who will always put you first. Talk to your partner about whether hiring a doula is the right choice for your unique situation.
Whether or not you choose to hire a doula, you want to make the next right choice for you and your sweet baby. The Pixsee smart baby monitor is a parenting companion that will help you enjoy effortless parenting and document every precious moment of your baby's growth journey. Visit our online store to explore how new moms partner with Pixsee to capture and share memories from day one.
